Cadence Wilmoth had the highest point total for the Patrick Henry High School girls basketball team Friday night, but it was Jaymee Copenhaver that came up with perhaps the most important buckets for the Rebels. 

Copenhaver scored seven of her 14 points over the final 4:06 to put the finishing touches on PH’s 52-45 Hogoheegee District victory over Chilhowie.

The Rebels (11-3) took sole possession of first place in the district and ran their winning streak to 10 games. Patrick Henry has won its last six meetings with the Warriors, a team the Rebels have played nine times over the last three seasons.

“I think that team probably knows us better than any other team,” Copenhaver said. “It’s always hard to beat a team that knows you. It’s always a fight with them. They’re just really competitive.”

Patrick Henry scored the first eight points of the game and held an 11-4 advantage when Chilhowie coach Mark Halsey called a timeout just three minutes into the game.

“We were a little tight at the beginning,” Halsey said. “Some nerves played a big factor there.”

The quick start was key considering Patrick Henry didn’t trail once the entire night.

Earl Neikirk, Bristol Herald Courier

But the Rebels never led by more than nine points either.

Chilhowie (11-4) tied the game at 37 early in the fourth quarter, but the Rebels answered quickly on a transition layup by Wilmoth to retake the advantage. The Warriors’ rally didn’t faze PH’s seasoned veterans.

“I think we have a lot of experience,” Copenhaver said. “We don’t get really nervous anymore or throw it away as much, where other teams might be a little timid when the [opponent ties] the score up.”

Copenhaver sealed it with her clutch shooting. Her 3-pointer with 4:06 remaining gave the Rebels an eight-point lead. She then followed with a layup and jumpshot down the stretch. 

“She showed up tonight,” Wilmoth said. “We’ve been needing her … If she shows up like that every game then we’re going to be in good shape.”

Wilmoth certainly showed up again, finishing with 29 points and 14 rebounds. The senior post player once again came up with a big-time performance in a big game. 

“She goes in and says very little and does her job,” said Patrick Henry coach Tommy Thomas.

Despite playing its third game in four days, Thomas knew his team was focused on the tough task. 

“If they were nervous, I couldn’t tell it,” Thomas said. “We had two other games [earlier] this week and were preparing for those. We didn’t talk about Chilhowie until [Thursday’s practice]. We came in and shot around today and they were very loose. … They knew it was a big game. They are a very confident, a very together group. They can hold their emotions in check.”

Freshman Morgan Yarber recorded six steals for PH, while Kasey Uecker dished out eight assists. 

Chilhowie was led by the duo of Danielle Catron and Micah Untiedt, who finished with 21 and 13 points, respectively. The Warriors could never grab a lead against PH, despite numerous opportunities.

The fourth-quarter baskets by Copenhaver squashed any comeback hopes.

“[Copenhaver] hit some right there at the end that kept that opening for them that they were able to keep their offense and defense comfortable,” Halsey said.

“We had the same opportunity to get those shots too, ours just didn’t fall tonight.”

Copenhaver’s shots were certainly falling. The junior found her shooting stroke in the season’s most meaningful game to date.

“I guess I always want to play hard against them,” Copenhaver said. “I know how competitive they are, so it gets me fired up and ready to play.”

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