DAYTON — Abram Kaple sat at the podium flanked by seniors Claudia Pifher and Emily Siesel in the aftermath of Buckeye Central’s 53-39 state semi-final loss to Waterford.
Kaple reflected on the season just concluded at the University of Dayton Arena and the significant contributions his three seniors — guards Pifher, Siesel, and center Julia Evak — made to the program.
“I think you’re going to have a really, really tough time finding a better backcourt in Division IV basketball, not even in Division IV, in the state of Ohio. To have two all-Ohioans that both average near 20 (points per game), over 90 wins in their careers,” Kaple said.
“And Julia is arguably the most improved player in our program. Where she was last year to where she ended up, this run was not possible without her. A true leader on, and off, the floor.
“It sucks for me worse than it does for them because I don’t have these two with me anymore. But tremendous leaders, student-athletes and young women that are going to be successful. Obviously, their success here is a testament to the hard work that they put in.
“Whatever they decide to do with their lives outside of basketball they’re going to put that same work in and have that same drive to carry on success; not only in our community but in the world.”
Leading at halftime, 26-17, the Buckettes lost control of the game in the third quarter being outscored by the Wildcats 21-7.
“Coming out of halftime the first three minutes are really important, and they came out with a big run,” Pifher said.
Pifher led the way with 16 points and 6 rebounds, Siesel added 6 points, 3 assists and 4 steals and Evak had 2 points, 1 assist and a pair of steals.
“Their defensive pressure is something we haven’t seen all season except maybe Bellevue like he (Kaple) said. I think what it comes down to is we just turned the ball over and missed a lot of box-outs that led to them getting offensive points,” she said.
“It all kind of snow-balled, but we were lucky to experience all these opportunities with my teammates and coaches. It’s been a fun ride.”
What an impact that trio made on the Buckettes program.
First, Siesel and Pifher earned all-Ohio honors.
Siesel also became the school’s seventh 1,000-point scorer in the second half of the regional championship victory over Dalton. She was voted the Northwest District Player of the Year.
In addition, Pifher became the school’s all-time leading scorer surpassing Dan Thallman’s 1,556 points in the district title win over Seneca East. That victory marked another milestone — six consecutive district championships — for Buckeye Central.
The 5-9 Pifher also led the Northern 10 Athletic Conference with a 47 percent 3-point shooting mark.
Evak averaged 4.3 points and 4 rebounds per game and was the team’s inside force.
“We had a really successful season,” Siesel said. “All of us girls and coaches, we’ve had a lot of fun; everything over the summer and all the work we put in together.
“You know, today this stinks. It’s not really what we wanted. But in a couple of weeks when we look back, just at our careers at Buckeye Central, it’s been a really great opportunity and it’s something that we’ll remember for a long time.”
Kaple knows he’s got big shoes to fill next season.
“It’s been a really fun pleasure and an opportunity to experience five months of the year with these guys each and every year. It’s definitely going to be tough. Claud, for example, my day one was her day one. Yeah, it’ll be tough.”