Sports
Waterford Ranks First in AP Ohio Girls Basketball State Poll
By: Tony Heim
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The Waterford Lady Wildcats (13-0) were named the top team in Division IV in the AP Ohio Girls Basketball State Poll. The Lady Wildcats have begun their season with twelve straight victories, with their last loss coming in the state championship last season.
Surprisingly, Waterford did not receive the most first-place votes; that honor went to the Arlington Lady Devils (15-0) who received 7 of the 17 votes.
Waterford has won most of their games in dominant fashion, with an average scoring margin of roughly 31 points a game. The only two single-digit victories came against Nelsonville-York and Fort Frye in back-to-back games.
The Lady Wildcats have become a dynasty in Southeastern Ohio, winning 11 of the last 12 Tri-Valley Conference championships. Waterford returns seven of the players from last year’s state runner-up team.
Dani Drayer and Alli Kern have played important roles on offense for the Lady Wildcats this season. In Waterford’s last game, Drayer scored 26 points and Kern added 16 points. However, the team makes it a point to focus on utilizing all members of the team.
The Lady Wildcats travel to Wahama on Thursday, Jan. 14, who they defeated 57-4 in their first matchup of the season.