The Halifax County High School varsity girls basketball team appeared to be out of contention entering the last four minutes of Wednesday nights 5A North Region Conference 16 Tournament semi-final game against Albemarle High School in Charlottesville.

Trailing 37-26 with just under four minutes left in the game, the Comets didnt appear to have much steam left. Yet, they didnt give up.

Dee Dee Jeffress and Tamiara Logan helped fuel a late 10-3 run, but the rally came up short as Albemarle held on for a 40-36 win.

The Comets still have a chance to make the field for next weeks 5A North Region Tournament. Halifax County High School will face Orange High School Friday night at 5:30 p.m. in a game to determine third place and the conferences third seed in the region tournament.

It will be good to be able to play at home again, said Comets Head Coach David Graham.

I think the girls are feeling good. Weve played pretty well over the last three weeks and have been very competitive. Were hoping for good things Friday night.

Graham said his team gave a solid effort in Wednesday nights game against Albemarle High School.

We gave it a great effort, said Comets Head Coach David Graham in noting his team was down by as many as 14 points at one point in the contest.

Im very proud of their effort. The difference in a close game is missed opportunities. We had our chances, but could not catch a break.

Jeffress led the Comets in scoring with 13 points, nine of which came in the second half. Logan scored nine points, even with being held to just three free throws in the second half.

Brittany Clark chipped in five points, all coming in the fourth quarter, and Nichole Gillard chipped in four points. Akiah Clauden and Shadajah Davis both scored two points and Malasia Boyd had one point.

The game was tied 11-11 at the end of the first quarter, but the Comets managed to score only three points in the second quarter, opening the door for Albemarle to take a 22-14 lead at halftime.

We had one quarter in which we had no offense, Graham pointed out.

We missed about three layups on a fastbreak that we should have converted and didnt.

That, unfortunately, was the picture for the Comets all game long.

We had no fast-break points, remarked Graham.

We played a good solid game by the numbers (on the scoreboard). But, this is playing in Conference 16, and when you play these good teams, youve got to convert when you have opportunities.

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Late rally falls short for Lady Comets - YourGV.com