The Miami Trace Panthers picked up a gold basketball and a conference championship Saturday night with a win over their cross-town rivals the Washington Court House Lady Blue Lions.
The game started with both teams going 100 mph in front of a packed house at Washington Court House, neither team shot well in the first period and the Panthers led by one taking a 10-9 lead into the second period. The second quarter belonged to the Lady Lions as they outscored Trace 11-4 to take a six point lead into intermission, 20-14.
The Lady Lions were 8-21 shooting in the first half for 38%, were perfect from the free throw line and knocked down one three point shot. They committed 9 first half turnovers. Miami Trace was just 7-23 shooting in the first for 30%, shot 0-6 from beyond the arc and was 0-2 from the charity stripe.
The third quarter belonged to Miami Trace as Washington Court House couldn't buy a bucket. The Panthers turned up the defense and were able to get into transition for some easy looks. Led by Sophomore Shay McDonald the Panthers went on a 17-2 third quarter run to retake the lead and finished with a 31-22 lead going into the final frame. The final period just like the first was played fairly even with the Panthers outscoring the Lady Lions by two, 14-12 to bring home the victory, a perfect league season and the inaugural FAC Championship.
Miami Trace (10-0, 19-3) finished the night shooting 19-44 for 43%, knocked down one three point shot and shot 50% from the charity stripe going 6-12. They committed 9 turnovers and scored 10 points off Lady Lion turnovers. They were led on the night by senior Tanner Bryant who finished with a game high 18 points, Shay McDonald was huge scoring 13. Also having a big night was sophomore Olivia Wolffe who had 7 points but played outstanding defense against Blue Lions 1,000 point scorer, Hannah Haithcock. Miami Trace now moves on the play the winner of the Waverly vs McClain tournament game this Wednesday at 6:15 from Adena High School. Buckeye Country broadcast time will be 6 p.m.
The Lady Lions (8-2, 19-3) finished the night shooting 13-43 for 30%, were 1-5 from beyond the arc and were perfect from the free throw line, 6-6, and they committed 15 turnovers. They were led in scoring by Haithcock who finished with 12 points. She was the only Lady Blue Lion in double figures. Washington now moves on to face Hillsboro in the Div. II sectional tournament this Thursday from Adena High School at 6:15 p.m. Buckeye Country broadcast start will be 6 p.m.
In the opener Saturday night the Miami Trace boys were able to pick up a hard fought battle 50-43 over Washington Court House. Seniors Darby Tyree and Cameron Carter led the way with 19 and 13 points respectively. Washington Court House was led by Evan Upthegrove and Blaise Tyese's 11 points, and Miguel O'Flaherty added 10.