The once in a Generation ride for the Carroll County High School Girls Basketball team reached its conclusion Tuesday night on the campus of Liberty University. Playing against Liberty Christian Academy from one mile down the road from the Vines Center, the Cavaliers fell to the Bulldogs 78-50.
We were treated to a great deal of high level Basketball 🏀 this winter from both the Boys and the Girls programs but sadly both teams had their seasons end with back to back defeats. It would be easy to dwell on the disappointing endings but more enjoyable to take one last look at the accomplishments of a pair of overarching teams.
Head Coach Marc Motley was at peace with the outcome after the final buzzer sounded, talking about just how far the team had come from the practice sessions back in the Summer
The team had graduated 🎓 a Senior Class for the Ages last year. Kaylee Easter, Lauren Alley, Ashton Richardson, Bella Crotts, Jaelyn Hagee and Cordellia Gardner had all moved on to the next phase of their lives.
Alyssa Ervin returned from a group that claimed two consecutive State Championship runs. The first one that scratched and clawed their way to, followed by a second run where they just devoured their opponents. The average margin of victory in the six game post season run was well over 30 points.
This years Senior Class held their own and then some. Sarah Alderman, Katie Lam, Madison Lyons and Amie Delp joined Ervin in the Class of 2024.
Delp once again battled injuries throughout the campaign that limited her playing time but the three role players from the previous years each stepped up as the season progressed.
Ervin is a proven once in a generation type player and she proceeded to stack up accomplishments throughout the season. All-Time scoring record, breaking 2,000 points and winning District and Region Player of the Year were some of the high water marks. All of this while playing in one hostile Gym after another.
The last time I watched a player remain under attack night in and night out was Duke’s Christian Laettner.
I am excited for Ervin that she can now hopefully return to being just a basketball 🏀 player trying hard to improve her game next year in College.
. The four Seniors needed a fifth starter out of the group of Sophomores that rounded out the Varsity team. Not an easy task, starting at point guard with four Seniors, one who happens to be the Best player in the Schools history..
Callie Harris grew into that role and excelled at it on the defensive end. It was impressive to see 👀 her develop right before our eyes.
It might seem odd to call a team that was trying to win a third consecutive State Championship a group of overachievers but that was the case plain and simple. They bonded together early, had a great 3 Days in Charleston and once again claimed the Three Rivers District Championship.
The team advanced back to the State Tournament before watching their season end with back to back defeats. For anyone that took winning for granted with this group, shame on you. Every team writes ✍ its own story and this group exceeded their own Coach’s expectations.
Another 20+ win Season, Three Rivers District Champs in both the regular season and Tournament. They entertained us every step 🚶♂️ of the way before running into a team that has two Division One prospects on their team, a team that can recruit players.
Avery Mills (33 points) and 6’2 Center Emmy Stout (20 points) combined for 53 points on Tuesday night to end a four year run unlike any other in Carroll County High School 🏫 history.
Ervin exited the game with 29 points and played at full speed until her Coach took her out with 2:07 remaining in the contest. Lam added 12 points in her final game while Alderman netted five and Lyons 2 points.
Savannah Swecker rounded out the scoring with a fourth quarter basket and the group of Juniors to be will step into their roles as team leaders.
Swecker, Harris, Corrie Delp, Bayliegh Allen, Kacie Young, Madison Coleman, and Laiken Burnett will be next up. They have some big sneakers 👟 to fill but they also deserve to have their own identity.
Miss Ervin, Thank you for the journey 🙏 and hoping for the Best for you at Elon University next season.
Coach Motley, Thank You for guiding our Lady 👩 Cavaliers with the level of Class that you have now for what seems like forever.
Thank You to the remainder of the Senior Class for stepping up and representing our School 🏫.
Finally, to the six Sophomores, you now have next !
It’s time for me to head back across the street to Cavalier Park and get things ready for opening day.
Jason Stockner, Kayla Nester, Marc Motley and Anthony Barnes – thanks for providing such a High Level of Basketball 🏀 this winter !!! Also Ryan Largen and Brandi Cochran- Mitchell for all of their efforts
March 12th is opening day for Softball so feel free to join us as Emma Leath will try to chase down the Schools All-Time strike out record.
Vickey Ritchie sent me a photo 📷 from last night 🌙
Thank You Ma’am !
Please check out Allen’s gamer later on today 🙏
A.S.P.N on The Hill 
Very well written article. Fitting tribute the girls basketball team and Coach Motley.
Thank You for taking the time to share your thoughts!