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Fluvanna kicks into high gear

Fluvanna County’s girls basketball team didn’t waste any time Tuesday night. The Flucos wanted to run against an unbeaten Monticello squad that hadn’t played a game since before winter break, and they did just that.

By the end of the half, Fluvanna was up 18 and in complete control as the Flucos cruised to a 77-40 victory over the previously unbeaten Mustangs in a critical early Jefferson District matchup.

“We wanted to come out quick because we knew they hadn’t played since (December 14th),” said Fluvanna coach Chad White. “We knew how we felt coming into that Christmas tournament only getting one practice—our legs were a little tired and we figured they’re human like us so we figured they’d be a little tired.”

Mia Loyd led the early attack, piling up 13 points and eight rebounds in the first half before finishing with 21 points and 17 boards on the night. She was one of five Fluvanna players in double figures, including Brianna Burruss who buried three 3-pointers to the tune of 11 points. Millicent Williams knocked home 10 points and pulled down six rebounds while senior center Sarah Ryan totaled 11 points and K-anna Loyd finished with 13.

Burruss’ effort was particularly encouraging for Fluvanna (8-1, 3-0), as they need a 3-point shooter to compliment the play in the lane of the Loyds, Terra Foster and Sarah Ryan.

“It was nice to see (Burruss) on tonight and see her shooting,” K-anna Loyd said.

While her sister Mia ignited the effort on the boards, where Fluvanna held a 40-25 advantage, K-anna Loyd got a chance to show off her ball-handling skills. While the senior was largely bound to the low block as a sophomore and junior, she’s clearly added a new dimension to her game, and she’s enjoying the change of scenery.

“It’s this thing about being in control and seeing everything from the top compared to being at the bottom — it’s just a different view that I like,” Loyd said.

Loyd dished out three assists to go with her six boards.

Monticello (5-1, 3-1) had trouble containing Fluvanna’s offense, but it wasn’t for lack of effort. Carla Brooks and Bridgett Holleran both played particularly tough against the Flucos, with Brooks finishing with 10 points, four steals and four rebounds. Holleran tossed in eight points and drew a number of fouls with tough drives into the lane.

“As a group, it wasn’t for lack of playing hard,” said Monticello coach Mike Mountjoy. “You could say sometimes lack of playing smart, lack of playing prepared or lack of playing well. We gave what we had, it was just tonight wasn’t enough.”

Monticello heads east to take on Louisa Friday night while the Flucos host Western Albemarle’s girls, pending inclement weather that’s creeping into the forecast.

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