by JP Miklovic
The North Baltimore Lady Tiger Basketball team played the state – ranked Haviland Wayne Trace Raiders in the OHSAA Sectional Final at Bluffton High School, Saturday night.
Kiah Powell, the Tiger’s 6′ 1″ senior, set the pace for the evening in the first quarter, scoring 12 of her 16 points and dominating on defense, to show the kind of intensity the Tigers had brought to compete for and WIN their first Sectional Title since 2004! NB would lead after the first quarter 19 – 12, using a pressure defense to keep the Raiders off balance and making turnovers. Powell’s intensity in the paint, on the offensive and defensive end, and the Lady Tiger’s overall hustle and guts, proved pivotal for the Tiger success. Wayne Trace’s lone senior and post player, Danae Myers (who was listed at 6′ 0″, but appeared much taller), was unable to get un-tracked and struggled to keep up with the more nimble Powell.
In the 2nd quarter, NB continued the pressure defense, hustle and solid offense, to extend the lead to 35 – 22, with the Raiders reeling, heading into the locker room to regroup.
The third period started ugly, as both teams struggled to take control of the game, turnovers and fouls were costing the Tiger’s momentum, allowing Wayne Trace to hang on. At the five minute mark in the 3rd, the score was 36 – 25 and Alivia Light started to light it up for NB, nailing some key 3 – pointers. She would eventually hit 5 of 6 treys, en route to scoring 27 points, and earning Player of the Game honors. By the end of the third NB had extended the lead to 56 – 37, following the 20 – 12 run.
Early in the final period, the Raiders desperately tried to get something going. But the Lady Tigers, led by inspired play on both ends of the floor, by Bailey Boyer (11 points and 7 rebounds), would have none of it, finishing off the Raiders, as both teams emptied their benches at the end, final score – 67 – 46.
NB received excellent team play from all of the Lady Tigers, with Cassidy Hiser, Makayla Light, Katelyn Weinandy and Catlin Cook, also making key contributions during the game!
North Baltimore will battle the #2 seeded and BVC foe, state-ranked Arlington, at Ottawa – Glandorf High School on Thursday, March 2, 8:00 pm.
We’ll have the complete stats and fotos by Ferg later.
