ROANOKE, Va. — The Pulaski County Lady Cougars’ basketball season came to an abrupt end Thursday evening at Northside High School, as a second-half surge propelled the Staunton River Golden Eagles to a 49-36 victory in the second round of the Region 3D playoffs.
The loss halts a dominant run for the Lady Cougars, who finish the year with a 20-5 record, falling just one win shy of clinching a berth in the state tournament.
“When you get to this level, you’re facing some great teams,” Lady Cougar Head Coach Scott Ratcliffe said. “Staunton River has a great squad, but our girls didn’t back down from the challenge. We just came up short tonight. They played their hearts out and I’m proud of them all. They’ve grown up a lot through this season, and if we can pull together during the offseason and put in the work, we should expect to be right back here next season. I’m proud of our effort and we appreciate all the fans that followed us and backed us up through the season.”
For much of the first half, the contest was a defensive stalemate. Pulaski County struggled to find its rhythm early, managing only seven points in the opening quarter. However, the Lady Cougars stayed within striking distance, trailing 12-7 after one.
By halftime, the defensive pressure from both sides intensified. Staunton River held a slim 23-17 lead at the break, thanks largely to the interior presence of Ailynn McCauley, who led all scorers with 18 points.
The momentum shifted decisively in the third quarter. Pulaski County’s Chacha Ratcliff-Calfee and Kaliyah Green fought to keep the Lady Cougars in contention, with each finishing the night with nine points. The Lady Cougars moved within three points, but then Staunton River’s offense began to click. The Golden Eagles outscored Pulaski 10-15 in the frame, extending their lead to 33-32.
In the final period, the Lady Cougars' offense went cold, managing only four points. Staunton River capitalized on the drought, with Myasia Garrison (13 points) and Payton Chewning (11 points) providing the late-game spark to seal the 13-point victory.
The Golden Eagles' balanced scoring and a perfect 14-of-14 performance from the free-throw line proved to be the difference. Pulaski County, despite a strong season that saw them reach the 20-win mark, was unable to overcome the late Staunton River run.
With the victory, Staunton River advances to the regional semifinals to face Abingdon. The Eagles defeated top seed Bassett in a blowout in the first game of the night.
The Lady Cougars look toward next season with high hopes after a highly successful 2025-2026 campaign. With only one senior on the squad this season, expectations will be high for next year.
Box Score
STAUNTON RIVER (49)
Ailynn McCauley 18, Myasia Garrison 13, Payton Chewning 11, Hannah Mitchell 4, Janell Jones 3
PULASKI COUNTY (36)
Chacha Ratcliff-Calfee 9, Kaliyah Green 9, Ellie Russell 7, Dayonna Lewis 6, Palyn Sweet 5
3-Point Goals: Staunton River 0. Pulaski County 2 (Lewis 1, Sweet 1).
Total Fouls: Staunton River 12, Pulaski County 15.
Fouled Out: None.