Sports
Girls Basketball: Federal Hocking can’t match Waterford’s firepower
By: Ian McConville
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Despite more than doubling their scoring output from their previous meeting with the Waterford Lady Wildcats, the Federal Hocking Lady Lancers still found themselves on the losing end of a blowout at the hands of Waterford, losing by a final of 51-25.
The Lady Cats came out firing, using a suffocating defense early on to force the Lancers into turnovers, causing multiple fast-break and transition scores. Fed Hock looked lost in their 2-3 zone early on, as the Wildcats found many open passes into the heart of the defense for easy baskets. That pattern would continue throughout the night, as Waterford’s defensive intensity gave Federal Hocking fits all game.
However, the Lancers would not go away quietly, as they showed tremendous heart and determination throughout the contest, never giving up and always trying to outhustle the Wildcats. The Lancers were able to execute on the glass, snaring 26 rebounds for the game.
Despite the loss, Federal Hocking head coach Jeff McKibbon was pleased with his squad’s effort against a Waterford team who is undefeated in TVC play and gaining recognition around the state.
“The kids realize who they’re playing, but, then again you don’t want to go into a game where your kids lay down on you and my kids didn’t. They went at them as hard as they could go, and I think a couple years down the road that will make us a better ball club,” stated McKibbon.
The most telling statistic of the game was Federal Hocking’s 32 turnovers, a number way too high against a team with the offensive prowess of Waterford. Cheyenne Singer tallied 12 points and nine rebounds, while Carley Tabler added six points and six boards.
For Waterford, Emily Taylor led the way with 14 points on 6-12 shooting. She was followed by Chelsey Paxton’s 11 points. As a team, the Wildcats shot 11-17 from the charity stripe. Surprisingly, the Lady Cats only capitalized on one three-point chance for the game, shooting 1-6 from beyond the arc.
The Lady Lancers will look to return to the win column on Thursday night as they host Belpre.