Thursday February 25th
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Div. III, semi-finals of the 1st eastern district
No. 1 Hiland 93, No. 9 McConnelsville Morgan 28
There is perhaps no team hungrier than this year’s Hiland Hawks, and especially their seniors, who missed the chance of a state win a year ago.
Tonight, the Hawks Morgan high-powered press forced 30 sales, which resulted in a 43-9 point lead in sales. Zoe Miller set the pace with 18 points at team height and five rebounds and point guard Morgan Yoder distributed seven assists and six points as Hiland won his 900th game in program history.
“They definitely have the feeling that they haven’t finished yet,” said Hiland coach Dave Schlabach of his seniors. “It kept her really hungry and focused, but it’s still an exercise, one game at a time.”
Brynn Mullet and Kyli Horn both pocketed a pair of 3-pointers, with Mullet scoring 17 points and dealing seven assists while Horn buried 13 points. Kelsey Swihart also had 12 points, Aila Miller added seven points and had four rebounds and Mallory Stutzman finished with eight points.
“We had an incredible week of practice,” said Schlabach. “We rode this Chippy line because it got very intense at times, but we have to keep the edge, stay sharp and keep up. Tonight our kids came to play, our press bothered them and we got better and better. “
Hiland was the first girls program in OHSAA history to score 900 victories.
“I can remember 30 years,” said Schlabach of the victory. “We didn’t want to wait for the next big class, we wanted a level of consistency that knocks on the door every year. It really is a testament to the alumni who have gone through the program and to the children who participate. ”
BOYS BASKETBALL
Div. III, Northeast 3 semifinals
No. 5 Beachwood 63, No. 13 Loudonville 50
A first quarter of 28:10 meant fate for Loudonville as it failed to dig its way out of the hole in its playoff game against Beachwood at the end of the season.
The Redbirds were led offensively that night by Kyle Maltarich with 18 points and Zach Frankford with 3 points and 15 points. Jacob Gessner added nine points for Loudonville.
