By Gary Ogle, Bob Strohm, and Jim Radke
gogle@wbcowqel.com
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com
jradke@wbcowqel.com
The Colonel Crawford Lady Eagles, Bucyrus Lady Redmen, and Buckeye Central Buckettes all advanced to the sectional final games Wednesday night as the three Crawford County teams emerged victorious on the first night of tournament play.
A persistent, well-balanced offense combined with a defensive effort that refused to whither gave the Colonel Crawford Eagles a hard-fought 55-50 win over Western Reserve on opening night of girls Division III tournament Wednesday at Willard.
The Eagles improved to 9-14 with the win while the Roughriders’ season ends at 11-11.
Colonel Crawford battle
d to contain the Western Reserve post players, but used the full advantage of its quickness when foul trouble forced the bigger Roughriders to the bench.
The Eagles were also nearly perfect from the free throw line, 12 of 14, where they outscored Western Reserve, 14-7.
Alexus Burkhart paced the Colonel Crawford offense with 18 points. She was backed up by 12 points from Lexi Hoepf and 10 from Ashley Gwirtz.
The Roughriders got 14 points from Cora Wyers and 13 from Andrea Robson.
The Eagles will play either Ashland Crestview or Milan Edison at 8 p.m. Saturday at Willard.
Photo Gallery: Colonel Crawford vs Western Reserve
The Bucyrus Lady Redmen dominated Galion on both sides of the ball on their way to a 49-23 win Wednesday to send the Lady Tigers home in the opening night of the Division III Sectional tournament.
The Lady Redmen jumped out to a 11-4 lead through the first. During the second quarter the Lady Redmen D clamped down allowing 2 points while the offensive side of the ball scored 12 points for a 23-6 halftime lead.
Shaina Oreweiler led the Lady Redmen with a double-double scoring a game high 14 points and grabbing 10 boards. Gabby Seibert added 12 points and Kelci Simms contributed 10 rebounds.
Bucyrus had struggles in the third, but still managed to outscore Galion 13-11. With the game in hand coasted on a 13-6 run through the fourth to pick up the victory and the right to play in the Sectional Final Saturday.
Galion’s Gabby Kaple, Dani Schieber, and Taylor Valentine had 5 points each to lead the Lady Tigers.
The Bucyrus Lady Redmen will return to Lexington Saturday to play the Ridgedale Lady Rockets for the Division III Sectional Final. Tip off for the game is at 8 p.m.
Photo Gallery: Bucyrus vs. Galion
Buckeye Central never trailed last night and 9 players reached the scoring column as the Buckettes defeated Crestline 68-22 at the division 4 sectional tournament at Columbian High School in Tiffin.
Jenna Karl had 16 points, and Courtney Pifher 15 as Buckeye Central improved their record to 15-7. Crestline was led in scoring by Denesa Baker with 8 points.
Buckeye Central will play for the sectional championship Saturday night at 8 in Tiffin at Columbian High School.
PHOTO GALLERY: Buckeye Central vs Crestline