The Mathews High School girls’ basketball team defeated the visiting West Point Pointers last Wednesday night, 34-31, in the opening game of the Conference 42 tournament.

Madison Owens was the night’s leading scorer, tallying nine points for the Devils. Taylor South and Maria Spadaccini were close behind with eight points each. Savanna Wooten (five points), Hallie Duncan (three points) and Kai McCann (one point) also contributed to the final score.

That opening game also proved to be the last, as a snowstorm caused the cancellation of the rest of that tournament. But the win was good enough to propel Mathews into the VHSL Region 1A East Region quarterfinals.

On Monday night, the Lady Devils traveled to Buena Vista to face Parry McCluer. Unfortunately for Mathews, the Fighting Blues came out strong and dominated the Devils, 73-27, putting an end to the MHS girls’ playoff hopes.

Coach Tommy Eriksen will lose seniors Hunter Thomas, Taylor South, Kai McCann and Madiso...