BLAND, Va. — The girls of Bland County don’t shy away from heavy-duty competition in the early non-district part of their schedule.
The Lady Bears took another lump on Monday, falling behind in the final period to incur a 63-53 loss to senior-heavy Northwood in the Bland High gym.
But their coach said the schedule has a purpose.
“We’re playing good competition to get us ready for district,” Jason Lambert said.
Chelsey Cardwell led three Northwood seniors in double-figure scoring, nailing 21 points. Tori Blevins and Katie Armstrong added 13 and 12 respectively.
“They start five seniors,” Lambert said. “They’re really good.” The Indians, from the Hogoheegee District, are now 2-0.
Sophomore Amber Eaton was the Lady Bears’ top point-producer with 15 and Jessie Blessing chipped in 11. Bland County made five three-point goals.
Bland County was just a point behind, 54-53, in the fourth quarter but did not score in the final three minutes. The home team was 2-for-9 in the fourth quarter from the free throw line.
“That hurt us,” Lambert said. “That was the story of the game. We had some good looks at the basket ... . It was back-and-forth. They’re converting on their end and we’re not making points on our end, and that makes a difference.”
“They’re senior-oriented and never got rattled. But it was a good game,” Lambert said. “The crowd was into the game.”
Bland County will host Tazewell from the Southwest District on Wednesday at Bland High School. The Lady Bears begin Mountain Empire District play on Jan. 6.

At Bland High School
NORTHWOOD (2-0)
Chelsey Cardwell 21, Tori Blevins 13, Katie Armstrong 12, Crawford 7, Dean 6, Puckett 2, Spence 2.
BLAND COUNTY (0-2)
Amber Eaton 15, Jessie Blessing 11, Alyssa Harris 8, Allison Morgan 6, Paige Brinkley 5, Julia Davis 4, Kelsey Dinger 4.
Northwood.........14 17 11 21 — 63
Bland County.....13 13 14 13 — 53
Three-point goals BC 5 (Blessing 2, Morgan 2, Eaton 1). NHS 2 (Cardwell 2). Foul shots: BC 10-19, NHS 15-33.