Reagan Kirkwood

After winning 20 games last season and losing four of five starters to graduation, first-year head coach Jordan Hale of the Valley Falls girls’ basketball team knew she was going to have to rely on senior Reagan Kirkwood early on to lead the way.

Kirkwood did just that and some to start the season Friday night, as she poured in 37 points in the Dragons 52-35 win over Horton in one of the best performances we have seen in the past several years.

She opened up the game with a 13-point first quarter on two 3-pointers, before adding 10 points in the third quarter.

In all she knocked down three shots from distance and went 10-of-13 from the free throw line.

She was a Class 1A All-State selection a year ago, and has been a first team all-NEKL selection the past two seasons.

She averaged 12 points, three rebounds, two assists and three steals per game last season, and has averaged double-digit points the past two years.

Kirkwood and the Dragons will look to continue their strong start to the season this week, as Valley Falls will host McLouth Tuesday night before traveling to Onaga Friday.