CITY CHAMPS — The Weir High girls basketball team celebrates after winning the annual city championship game at Madonna Wednesday night. -- Andrew Grimm

WEIRTON — After last season, Weir High coach Rick Stead knows better than anyone that when the city championship is on the line, anything can happen.

The Red Riders won the first meeting with rival Madonna in convincing fashion a year ago, only to have their hearts broken at home by the Blue Dons when the trophy was up for grabs.

After again convincingly taking the first meeting with their rivals earlier this season, Stead put an emphasis on his team getting off to a good start in Wednesday’s city championship game at Madonna to make sure a repeat upset didn’t happen.

His Red Riders took the message to heart, scoring the game’s first 18 points to open a lead they would never surrender enroute to a 51-27 victory to reclaim the trophy.

“That was what we wanted, to come out and put some pressure on them, force some turnovers and get out to a lead,” Stead said. “The girls did a good job of that. (Madonna coach) Corey (Wingett) does a good job with his girls. I know they’re in a tough situation this year, but any time you play in the city championship game, it is a rivalry, the girls all know each other and you never know what is going to happen.

“I am glad we were able to keep our composure, play well and do the things we wanted to do. I’m proud of the way the girls played.”

Six different players found the scoresheet, three reaching double figures, and all eight Red Riders (2-10) to see the floor contributed in the assist and/or rebounding departments.

“Everyone contributed,” Stead said. “When we were moving the ball, everybody got involved, we played good defense, which was key, and the scoring was pretty even.”

Rayna Hoover came off the bench and led all scorers with 15 points, nailed two 3s and also tied for a game-high with eight rebounds, while Mea Kauffman drained a pair of 3s and finished with 12 points and three assists, while Janai Turner netted 10 points and a game-high four assists.

“There was a period of time there when Madonna controlled the trophy for about five or six years, we got it back two years and ago and we got it back again (Wednesday),” Stead said. “It is a big thing for the kids to get the bragging rights. They’re all in town together, they all know each other, so this is a fun game, and, of course, when you win it, it is even more fun.”

After the slow start during which it seemed the Blue Dons (0-10) could not buy a bucket, Madonna’s group did continue to play hard and have a much better second half, but the damage had been done.

“I think we had some nerves,” Wingett said. “We just couldn’t get a shot to drop. We had some open looks, we got some shots off, we just couldn’t get them to drop, and that is basketball.

“Our effort tonight defensively, mentally, and offensively in the second half especially was awesome. I’m proud of everything we did, we didn’t come out on top, but the final score was a lot closer than the first time we played and that is what we’re trying to do is improve, and we showed improvement.

“When we play a school our size, we will have a chance to compete as long as we keep getting better every single day.”

Vanessa Alatis netted 13 points for the Blue Dons, while Julia Wingett hit a pair of triples and finished with 12 points.

“In the second half, they only out-scored us 21-18 and they still pressed in the second half,” coach Wingett said. “So, if we could have made some shots in the first quarter, it might have been a different story. But I have no complaints about the effort.”

UP NEXT

Weir High: Takes on Big Red in the first game of a girls-boys doubleheader at 6 p.m. tonight.

Madonna: Is set to host Doddridge County on Saturday.

Weir High 51, Madonna 27

Weir High 18-12-10-11 – 51

Madonna 2-7-8-10 – 27

WEIR HIGH (2-10): Turner 5 0-0 10; Kauffman 4 2-2 12; Baker 2 2-2 8; Re. Hoover 0 0-0 0; Aperfine 2 0-0 4; Ra. Hoover 5 3-4 15; Bine 0 0-0 0; Faulks 1 0-0 2. TOTALS: 19, 7-8; 51.

MADONNA (0-10): Pietranton 1 0-1 2; Harbin 0 0-0 0; Wingett 5 0-0 12; Backel 0 0-0 0; Alatis 3 7-10 13. TOTALS: 9, 7-11; 27.

3-POINT GOALS: Weir High 6 (Kauffman 2, Baker 2, Ra. Hoover 2); Madonna 2 (Wingett 2).