The Lady Lions scored first Saturday afternoon but trailed the rest of the day as they fell to the Unioto Lady Shermans in non conference girls basketball 53-51.
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Washington Court House came out a little sluggish to start the game and Unioto took full advantage, going on an 8-0 run to start the first quarter before the Blue Lions came to life and ended the quarter on a 9-5 run of their own, the Lady Lions trailed 18-12 after the first. The second quarter was played much closer with Unioto outscoring Washington 13-12 but the Lady Shermans were able to capitalize on Blue Lion mistakes and turned 13 first half turnovers into 16 points. Unioto led at the half 31-24.
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In the second half the Lady Lions defense came to life forcing 13 second half turnovers but just couldn't cut into the Sherman lead. Unioto led by 10 after three quarters, 446-36. Unioto was able to increase their lead to 16 points at one point in the second half, actually the Blue Lions trailed by double digits three times during the game. Washington out played Unioto in the final quarter, outscoring the lady Shermans 15-7 and cut the lead to 2 points with 5 seconds remaining but a 3/4 court last second heave at the buzzer fell short and Washington fell to Unioto 53-51.
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Washington Court House (7-5) shot just 38% on the night on 17-44 shooting, were 6-15 from beyond the arc and shot 63% from the free throw line on 10-16 shooting. They committed 21 turnovers but just 8 in the second half and ended up scoring 21 points off Unioto turnovers. Washington was led by Shawna Conger's game high 23 points and got a huge afternoon out of freshman guard Natalie Woods who had a career high 15 points. The Lady Lions next play at Sheridan on January 9th, a state final 4 team from last year.
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Unioto (9-2) was led in scoring by Cree Stulley's 14 points, 11 in the first half, Amber Cottrill had 12, Emily Coleman had 11. The Lady Shermans shot 19-40 from the field for 47%, were 6-12 from three point range for 50% and 7-15 from the free throw line. They committed 24 turnovers on the afternoon and scored 18 points off Blue Lion turnovers.
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