Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

When we first talked to Lady Eagles Head Coach Howard Paras this season, he said the team had one goal. This year’s team wanted to flip the script, to avenge the final loss they suffered last season. Now they’ll get that chance. 

Last season, Prince Edward fell just short of qualifying for the state playoffs, getting eliminated in regional play by John Marshall High. Flash forward to Friday, Feb. 28 and here we are, with a chance to overcome the Justices. Prince Edward will play John Marshall in the Class 2 Region A championship later tonight. 

That comes after yet another dominating performance by Prince Edward on the court. Playing against Poquoson in the regional semi-final Thursday night, the Lady Eagles kept it close at the start of the game, going into halftime with just a 21-16 lead. Poquoson would get no closer than that the rest of the game, with Prince Edward winning 56-37. 

“Words can’t express how proud I am of these young ladies,” Coach Paras told The Herald. “Anysha Clark had a big first half, Kyla Barksdale had a big second half and Aliyah Rachels was consistent throughout. We also got great defensive efforts from McKenna Vogel and the rest of the girls.” 

Aliyah Rachels led all scorers with 14 points on the night, followed by Barksdale with 13 and Clark with 11. Kamiya Killibrew added 6, Jayla Boyd had 5, Vogel added 3, and both Maddison Tillerson and Keshawna Peaks finished with 2 points. As Paras said, Barksdale caught fire in the second half, scoring all of her points after halftime. And as Prince Edward ignited, they shut down the Poquoson attack. Prince Edward scored 35 points in the second half, 24 in the third quarter alone. 

Lady Eagles are one win away 

So now here we are. An undefeated Lady Eagles team is one win away from getting the regional championship that they all want. The team is bound for the state playoffs, that part is guaranteed, as the top two from each region advance. But getting a number one seed? The only team standing in the way is the same group that dethroned them last season. John Marshall comes in after beating Bruton 53-43. 

“(It) will be a challenge for sure, but when we are playing well, I believe we can beat anyone,” Paras said. 

The Lady Eagles will have a chance to prove that tonight. 

The game will take place tonight, Feb. 28 at Prince Edward County High. Tickets are $8 and the game tips off at 6 p.m. The school staff say tickets can only be bought by debit or credit card. Cash will not be accepted at the gate.