The Miami Trace Panthers defeated Circleville 40-29 Saturday afternoon to pick up the Division II Sectional Championship from Adena High School.
Miami Trace struggled from the floor in the first half of play Saturday afternoon only knocking four total shots, two inside the arc and two from deep but their defense kept them close. They led 11-10 after the first and were outscored by Circleville 4-3 in the second quarter to go the half tied at 14. The Panthers finished the half shooting 4-26 for 15% but they forced the Lady Tigers into 13 first half turnovers.
The second half saw the Panthers pick up the defensive pressure even more and Circleville had a hard time getting the ball across half court. Also, the Panthers started knocking down some shots and outscored the Tigers 15-8 in the third quarter and 11-7 in the final frame to bring home the victory and the Sectional Championship, holding on for a 40-29 victory.
It wasn't the greatest night shooting but the Panthers did enough to advance to the District tournament. Miami Trace finished the night 13-50 from the field for 26% including 3-6 from beyond the arc for 50%, they shot 9-23 from the free throw line for 39%, committed 17 turnovers and pulled down 19 rebounds. Senior Tanner Bryant led the way with 13 points, Cassidy Lovett and Shay McDonald added 10 and Olivia Wolffe chipped in with 6 points but had a great night on the defensive side.
Miami Trace (21-3) now moves on to play Sheridan on Thursday, February 22nd at 8:00 p.m. from Southeastern High in the Girls Division II District tournament. Buckeye Country will broadcast the game immediately following the Washington Court House game which begins at 6:15 p.m.
Circleville finished the night shooting 13-41 for 32%, committed 26 turnovers and pulled down 22 rebounds. They were just 2-7 from the free throw line for 29%. The Tigers season comes to a close with a 15-8 record.