Girls: No. 6 Meadowbrook 51, No. 10 Petersburg 50

PETERSBURG Crystal Smith sank two free throws with six seconds left in the game to clinch Meadowbrook's seasonand Central District-opening victory over the Crimson Wave.

The Monarchs led by five or six points for most of the game before Petersburg battled back to take a two-point lead early in the fourth quarter. Meadowbrook regained the lead and held on despite missing numerous free throws (10 for 22 in the game) down the stretch. Meadowbrook led 49-48 when Smith stepped to the line.

Smith paced the Monarchs with 17 points and 12 assists. Jazmine Hatcher, a transfer from Monacan, contributed 12 points and 11 rebounds.

"I'm glad we won. Both teams played like it was an opener," Meadowbrook coach Mike Knight said.

Ashley Whitaker, the district's top scorer last year, led the Wave with 21 points. Tiara France added 13.

MEADOWBROOK (1-0, 1-0)

Smith 17, Gilliom 0, Forrest 1, Cunningham 0, Stone 6, Ka. Marks 3, Coleman 6, Arrington 6, Hatcher 12. Totals 20 10-22 51.
PETERSBURG (0-1, 0-1)

Whitaker 21, Elder 6, Edmonds 4, France 13, Coleman 4, Ellis 2, Chen. Kirkland 0. Totals 19 12-23 50.
Meadowbrook ------------------------ 12 11 11 17 -- 51
Petersburg ------------------------- 9 12 9 20 -- 50

3-point goals: M -- Smith. Highlights: M -- Torie Cunningham 5 steals.