PHILIPPI — Class AA, No. 4 and last year’s state runner-ups Philip Barbour claimed a 56-45 victory over No. 5 Ripley Saturday in the season opener.

Braylyn Sparks fired in 22 points and freshman Rylee Bodkins contributed 16 for the Lady Colts, who held a 20-14 lead at halftime in a low-scoring first half of action.

The lead swelled to as many as 19 points in the third frame before the Lady Vikings cut the margin to eight late in the canto.

But a trey by LaDonna Herron just before the third-quarter buzzer sounded gave the hosts a double-digit advantage heading into the fourth.

Sophie Nichols led Ripley with 19 points.

Philip Barbour returns to action Thursday in the Sam Bord tourney in Grafton.

Moorefield 45

Pocahontas 32

DUNMORE — Shorthanded Pocahontas County dropped a 45-32 decision to Moorefield on Saturday.

The Lady Warriors were without four players due to illness and another taking the SAT test.

Freshman Allyson Taylor had eight points and eight rebounds and Calli Propst seven points and three assists for the Lady Warriors, who are now 1-1 on the season and will entertain Greenbrier West on Friday evening.