Buffalo Gap's Leah Calhoun drives the ball around Wilson Memorial's Paris Hutchinson during a basketball game played in Swoope on Friday, January 5, 2018.(Photo: Mike Tripp/The News Leader)
Injuries have not been kind to Buffalo Gap this season. One of the favorites in the Shenandoah District girls race, the Bison have lost one key player — Hannah Varner — for the season and another — Marybeth Strickler — for the past three games.
But Strickler, who sprained her ankle, is hoping she can return this week. She wanted to be back Friday night against Wilson Memorial, but when I spoke to her briefly at the game she said the coaches and athletic trainer thought it best she wait a little longer before returning.
"She's progressing," Gap coach Phillip Morgan said Friday night. "We're starting to think maybe now it wasn't just a regular sprain, but more of a high ankle sprain. Plus it's not on the outside, but it's on the inside, and that's always a little tougher to come back from."
If Strickler can return, and Camille Ashby starts getting more comfortable at the point guard — a position she was forced into after the injuries to Varner and Strickler — then Gap should be fine the second half of the season.
Gap plays at home against Luray Tuesday and on the road at Lee High Friday.
"I like where we're at right now and where we're getting to," Morgan said. "We're getting some pieces in place. The girls are working and I'm glad to be going into the second half and just see what happens."
