By Tom Lanigan

Special to the Farmville Herald

The Cumberland High School varsity girls basketball team’s 60-47 win over visiting Buckingham County High School on senior day extended the team’s winning streak to three games, capping a 9-8 regular season.

A blow to the Knights came as the second quarter was ticking down and a multiple-player collision left Buckingham’s Jayda Chambers down on the court for close to three minutes. Chambers received standing cheers from the house as she was helped off the court and into the locker room. Chambers did not return to the game and her absence proved to be a huge loss to the Knights.

The Dukes struck first with senior Marya Elasha finding the basket for a 2-point shot and the Dukes took charge of the first quarter. The first quarter ended with the Dukes leading 14-9 as turnovers haunted the Knights, and first-quarter scoring was scarce for the team.

The Knights regrouped and managed to catch up to the Dukes, leaving the halftime score at  22–20.

The extent of Chambers’ injury was not known, however, she was reported to have suffered an injury to her left foot.

The Knights struggled during the third quarter and turned the ball over multiple times, which proved costly, and the team fell behind 44-37 as the third quarter buzzer sounded.

The fourth quarter saw the Dukes continuing their aggressive play taking advantage of the missing Chambers as the Knights appeared to be losing steam.

The Dukes used their 15-point advantage as the clock ticked down to the final minutes, when the Knights had possession and with accurate shot-blocking the clock kept on ticking.

“Our kids played very good as a group, on offense as well as defense. That’s what I want. When everyone sees action, they know what to expect from each other,” said CHS head coach Omar Liggins. “I like everyone to be ready, everyone to step in at any time. Now, we look forward to post-season play.”

Bria Anderson led the Dukes in scoring with 15 points, followed by Kyera Broxton with 13. Tayziana Booker scored 12 points, Marya Elasha notched eight and Nadia Elasha finished with two.

CHS graduates three seniors, Ahkiya Allen, Kyera Broxton and Marya Elasha. They were honored during the game, along with Tthe varsity cheerleader squad’s three seniors, Cadajah Randolph, Selina Robert and Jewel Yarborough.

Buckingham head coach Ethan Abruzzo said his team struggled with turnovers in the first quarter and the loss of Chambers was a huge hit. “We need to concentrate on the post-season now, hopefully Chambers will be back,” Abruzzo said.

Tyranae Brown led the Knights in scoring with 17 points, followed by Shae Hurt  with 15. Shamari Wingfield (9), Chambers (3) and Alex Ayala (2) were scored for Buckingham, as well.

Both teams will advance to conference championship tournaments. However, due to rescheduled snow games, there opponents, game dates and times have not been determined.