The SCOL Champion Miami Trace Lady Panthers rolled to victory Thursday night in the first round of the Division II Sectional Tournament at Adena High School 53-34 over Washington Court House.
The Blue Lions started strong, leading through the first quarter and into the second as they were able to break the Panthers full-court press and feed their First Team All SCOL Sophomore Hannah Haithcock. Haithcock had 9 points through the first 10 minutes of the game before picking up her third foul just minutes into the second quarter. After Haithcock went to the bench, Miami Trace picked up the pressure and started hitting shots. They finished the second quarter shooting 10-34 including four shots from behind the arc, including Tanner Bryant's last second shot at the halftime buzzer from the volleyball line. The Panthers took a 32-21 lead into the break.
Washington Court House couldn't buy a bucket in the third quarter and were held to just three points, a three pointer buy Breanna Taylor. Miami Trace forced 9 turnovers in the quarter and led 45-24 going into the final eight minutes.
Six straight fourth quarter points by Miami Trace Senior Sam Ritenour put the game out of reach even though Washington outscored the Panthers 10-8 in the final period.
Washington Court House finished the night shooting 14-40 for 35% including going 4-12 from behind the arc for 33% and just 2-6 from the free throw line. They committed 29 total turnovers and had 18 rebounds. They were led in scoring by Hannah Haithcock's 14 points and Second Team All SCOL Freshman Rayana Burns added 11.
Miami Trace didn't have the best night from the field as they shot 18-56 for 32% including 4-12 from behind the arc but were 13-17 from the free throw line for 76%. They committed 18 turnovers and had 22 rebounds. The Panthers had a very balanced scoring attack with Victoria Fliehman leading the way with 14 points, Sam Ritenour added 13 and Tanner Bryant and Hanna Reisinger each had 11.
Miami Trace is back at Adena High School on Saturday to face the winner of the Waverly vs. Unioto game. Game time Saturday is 2:45 p.m. with air time on Buckeye Country 105.5FM/iHeartRadio @ 2:35.