Girls hoops: Cape Henry's big win to herald return in poll

Nicole Jackson can't wait to see this week's VISAA state basketball poll.

Defending state champion Cape Henry traveled to Charlottesville over the weekend and edged Miller School - the top Division 2 team in last week's rankings - 62-58 in overtime.

"It was a heck of a game," the Dolphins coach said. "We had some problems and still managed to get it to overtime."

Point guard Khajae Hester fouled out in the third quarter and Alexis Smith sprained an ankle late in the game. Meghan McKnelly came off the bench to battle Miller School's strong inside game, and Nakalia Pollard and Virginia Hassell took charge in overtime - combining for 10 points.

"Nakalia hit a huge 3-pointer that got the momentum going for us," Jackson said. "And Virginia had four points that were big. Nobody on our team is taller than 5-11 and (Miller) had some big girls, one about 6-2.

"It was a big win for us."

NO REMATCH, FOR NOW

Salem and Princess Anne met Friday night in a battle between the top two girls teams in South Hampton Roads. Salem ended the Cavaliers' 141-game winning streak against Beach District opponents with a 56-55 victory.

But the two do not meet again in the regular season.

That means a rematch could come in the Beach District tournament next month.

BIG DAY OF HOOPS

Four local teams will play Saturday in the StatVA Girls Basketball Invitational showcase, at Highland Springs High School in Richmond.

At 1 p.m., Grassfield takes on Robert E. Lee of Staunton. Lake Taylor plays Huguenot of Richmond at 2:45 p.m. The 4:30 game pits Northern Virginia powers T.C. Williams of Alexandria against Woodbridge's Forest Park. Defending Group AAA champion Princess Anne will face Cosby of Chesterfield at 6:15 p.m. The tournament concludes when the host school takes on Western Branch at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $8 at the door, or $6 in advance by emailing tickets@statva.com.