Cosby, T.C. Williams meet in girls quarterfinal

In today's Group AAA quarterfinal battle of the Titans, the two most powerful players could be on the bench.

Undefeated Oakton trailed in the Northern Region championship when T.C. Williams had Tierra Ruffin-Pratt on the floor.

But the senior shooting guard came off the court with 10 points and a lot of first-half minutes left when she reinjured her left shoulder. Oakton cruised to the region title, pulling away in the fourth quarter and setting up tomorrow's Group AAA quarterfinal against Central Region runner-up Atlee.

T.C. Williams, with or without Ruffin-Pratt, plays Central Region champion Cosby today at 7 p.m. at the Siegel Center -- and Cosby could be without standout center Jazmin Pitts, who may have mononucleosis.

"We don't what her status is at this point, but we knew she wasn't going to be available much if at all [against Atlee]," Cosby coach Rachel Mead said.

Even with a hometown advantage, Cosby's state tournament draw could turn out to be pretty tough if Ruffin-Pratt is ready.

"It will be nice to not have to go for a two-hour car ride," Cosby junior forward Becca Wann said, "since I know we're achy, my back hurts and we want to prepare for anybody else."

Ruffin-Pratt is plenty to prepare for. Multiple recruiting outlets consider the UNC-bound senior one of the best defenders in the country and overall one of the top recruits. And while her status for tonight's game is in question, Cosby could also be without its dominant force down low.

Cosby won its first Central Region title largely without Pitts. The 6-1 junior played just eight minutes in Wednesday's championship win over Atlee, putting up three points.

The Raiders, probably no less achy, are taking that two-hour trip to Robinson Secondary School, one of 12 super sites designated for the Virginia High School League quarterfinals. Atlee faces Oakton, undefeated through the region tournament for the second time in four years.

"We don't know too much about them," senior center Richelle Price said. "They beat T.C. Williams, who is a really good team, so we have to come out and play hard -- play Raider basketball."

Atlee coach Anna Prillaman said her team struggled with turnovers and rebounds in the region final. They're taking on a team loaded with guards and strong outside shooting. The Cougars have knocked down 161 3-point goals, led by 53 from sophomore Zora Stephenson.

Contact Andee Sears at (804) 649-6210 or .