West Virginia dominates High Point in Gulf Coast Showcase opener

In a decisive opening-round game of the Gulf Coast Showcase held on Friday, November 29, 2024, West Virginia University faced off against High Point University in Estero, Florida. The 12th-ranked Mountaineers, maintaining an undefeated season record, asserted their dominance early in the match. JJ Quinerly played a pivotal role, netting 18 of her total 22 points during the first half. This explosive start helped West Virginia achieve a commanding 22-7 lead by the end of the first quarter. As the second quarter commenced, West Virginia maintained control through an 8-2 run, extending their lead beyond the 20-point mark. In addition to Quinerly's contributions, reserve Jordan Thomas and Jordan Harrison also made significant impacts on the scoreline by scoring 18 and 13 points, respectively. High Point, while putting up a spirited effort, saw Aaliyah Collins lead their scoring with 11 points but struggled to keep pace with the Mountaineers. The outcome of this game marked West Virginia's continued success against High Point, moving their record to 3-0 in matchups against the Panthers. Following the victory, West Virginia will advance to face Boise State, also undefeated at 7-0, who bested Illinois State in a close game earlier the same day. This upcoming matchup promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams aim to maintain their perfect records in the tournament. Overall, this game showcased West Virginia's skill and strategy, particularly through Quinerly’s explosive performances. The advancements in the Gulf Coast Showcase not only add to the excitement of the tournament but also serve as a testament to the depth and talent of West Virginia's basketball program as they continue to make strides in the competitive landscape of college basketball.