State girls basketball quarterfinals

Heritage took control from the opening tip, blazing out to a 16-2 run and didn't look back, leading 18-4 after one quarter and 37-13 at halftime, using a smothering defense and consistent offense to put the game out of reach. The second half wasn't much better for the visitors, who were outscored by Heritage 32-13, resulting in a final count of 69-26. Sonia Johnson led all scorers with 20 points, Bonae Holston added 10 points, Brittany Thorpe and Indy Hauser pitched in with nine points apiece. Heritage improves to 27-2 as they get ready for a Tuesday semifinal match again the winner of GW-Danville vs. L.C. Bird scheduled for 2pm at the Siegel Center at VCU in Richmond.
Princess Anne got off to a fast start as well against R.E. Lee-Springfield in Fairfax. The Lady Cavs jumped out to a ten point first quarter lead and nine point halftime advantage. P.A. extended its lead to 13 in the third quarter and took control from there as Tonya Clark scored a game high and season high 25 points while Raven Harris chipped in with 19 points and Elizabeth Williams with nine. Princess Anne improves to 29-1 and advances to a Tuesday semifinal matchup against either Mills Godwin or Forest park, set for 6pm also at VCU's Siegel Center.
Finally, in Group A quarterfinal play, The Franklin Lady Broncos overcame a less than stellar offensive output to secure a state semifinal berth. Before a packed house at Southampton High School, Franklin used its defense and key scoring to beat Luray, 48-36. Despite shooting just 30 percent from the floor, the Lady Broncos led by as much as 16, thanks to center Janice Holemon, nine points and 13 boards. Keshara Bradley added 12 points and Kiara Lee with 11 as Franklin, seeking its first state girls title since 1986, will now face the winner of Rye Cove and Bland Wednesday at 2pm at the Siegel Center.
And let us not forget the Bruton Lady Panthers, who fought back from a 15 point deficit with five minutes to play to post a remarkable comeback win on the road against Charlottesville on Friday night, 49-46, and will play Waynesboro Thursday in the Group AA state semis at 6pm also at VCU. Bruton's record now stands at 22-6.