ST. HENRY-Spencerville Lady Bearcats began their season on Friday afternoon as they visited the St. Henry Redskins. The Bearcats used a pesky defense, as well as balanced scoring, to defeat the hosts 48-29.
The visitors broke out a new 3-2 press defense that caused some problems and gave the Bearcats some early momentum. Spencerville got on the board with baskets from Junior Gabi Croft and Junior Kirsten Wurst for an early 4-0 lead. The visitors exploded into a 12-3 lead, before ending the quarter at 14-5 after Wurst and Sophomore Heidi Keller buried a couple of three pointers.
“We have been getting on our case about playing hard and playing great defense, and this afternoon we were able to move our defense up a little bit further,” said Spencerville Head Coach Greg Ekis. “Anytime you can create turnovers and turn the other team over as we get them playing faster than what we want it really increases our energy and effort level.” Said Ekis.
Spencerville spread the ball around and was able to expand the lead in the second quarter. Croft knocked down a three pointer to expand to a 12-point lead at 17-5. The Bearcats were able to hit some free throws from Senior Chloe Orr and Wurst to keep the Redskins at bay. Spencerville finished their first half scoring with a basket from Wurst and a layup from Senior Lilyan Goecke to lead 24-10 at halftime.
St. Henry was able to take advantage of the Bearcats aggressiveness and stay in the game in the third quarter. The Redskins converted on four shots around the paint to stay within double digits of the Bearcats, but a couple of key buckets from Goecke and Croft gave Spencerville a 36-21 advantage.
Both teams were in foul trouble and saw some time from the charity strike in the 4th quarter. Wurst connected on four free throw attempts as part of her career high 15-point game as the Bearcats were able to improve to 1-0 on the season.
Spencerville will be back in action on Saturday morning as they welcome Upper Scioto Valley to the Walk-In Closet.
Spencerville- 14 – 10 – 12 – 12 – 48
St.Henry- 5 – 5 – 11 – 8 -29
Spencerville (48)
Kirsten Wurst (15) Gabi Croft (13) Lilyan Goecke (8) Heidi Keller (7) Chloe Orr (3) Emme Prine (2)
St. Henry (29)
Rileigh Baumer (11) Lauren Beyke (6) Claire Wendel (6) Jalynn Everman (3) Ashley Ontrop (2) Leah Lefield (1)
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