You knew things were going to go Miami Trace's way Saturday afternoon in the Girls Division II Sectional Championship when Panther Senior Cassidy Lovett stole the opening tip and Miami Trace went down to score. They scored first and never looked back en route to a 41-21 victory over fellow FAC opponent McClain.
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The Panthers controlled the game all the way through, leading 11-7 after the first period, then holding the Lady Tigers to just 4 second quarter points as they dropped 13 of their own to take a 24-11 halftime lead. Co-FAC player of the year Shay McDonald paced the Panthers in the first half scoring 15 of her game high 19 points.
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The Panthers forced McClain into 14 first half turnovers and knocked down four 3-points shots, shooting a total of 9-21 from the field. McClain was just 4-10 in the half.
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Miami Trace kept the defensive pressure up in the second half, allowing McClain to score only two third quarter points, the Panthers scored 11 to lead 35-13 going into the final period. McClain did outscore Miami Trace in the final quarter 8-6 but coach Ackley went to his bench for the majority of the quarter and the Panthers won by 20, 41-21.
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Shay McDonald led all scores with 19 and sophomore Delaney Eakins added 8 points off the bench. Led by the Secretary of Defense herself, Cassidy Lovett, the Panthers forced McClain into 28 turnovers and 30% shooting. The Panthers finished the night shooting 16-44 for 36% including 6-27 from beyond the arc for 35%, they were 3-10 from the free throw line, committed 16 turnovers and pulled down 20 rebounds.
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Miami Trace 16-7 now now moves on to the District Tournament at Southeastern next Thursday to face the #1 seed Vinton Co. who defeated River Valley 62-31. Buckeye Country 105.5FM/iHeartRadio air time will be 7 p.m.
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McClain's season came to an end with an overall record of 13-9. They shot 7-23 from the field for 30%, were 1-7 from beyond the arc for 14%, committed 28 turnovers and pulled down 16 rebounds. They were led in scoring by Kyla Burchett's 6 points.