Sports
Waterford Wildcats, Lady Wildcats Off to Hot Start
< < Back to waterford-wildcats-lady-wildcats-off-to-hot-startLast year’s girls Ohio division IV state champions have carried their dominance over to the new season already.
Just four games into the 2016-17 season, Waterford has shown they are still the favorites in the TVC-Hocking and perhaps the state.
On Dec. 15, the Lady Wildcats hosted Federal Hocking in an early conference game. The result was a 56-18 victory and the third straight game the Wildcats have held their opponent under 20 points. Junior Megan Ball led Waterford in scoring with 16 points, four rebounds and a team-high four assists.
But the game was a balanced effort for the defending champs. Hayley Duff tacked on 12 points on 66 percent shooting and Rachael Adams scored eight points.
The game was ultimately decided in the first quarter when the Wildcats started with a 10-0 run and following Federal Hocking’s first basket, Waterford went on an 8-0 run to end the quarter ahead, 18-2.
The win pushed Waterford to 4-0 in the young season and the Wildcats will travel to Reedsville to face undefeated Eastern (7-0) on Dec. 17.
Following the loss at Portsmouth on Dec. 10, Waterford boys needed a win to avoid dropping to 1-2 on the season. Luckily, they had the perfect opportunity to get back to their winning ways against a struggling South Gallia (0-4) team.
On the back of Jordan Welch’s double-double of 19 points and 11 rebounds, the Wildcats defeated their TVC-Hocking rival, 62-41.
In addition to the double-double, Welch also compiled five steals and three blocks. Waterford, a team still battling injuries, leaned heavily on Welch as well as Travis Pottmeyer, who finished with 13 points and six boards.
It was an important win coming off a disappointing loss in the Buckeye Elite National Showcase Tournament. The Wildcats play Miller on Dec. 20, before their winter hiatus, then will resume play on Jan. 6 against current TVC-Hocking leader, Trimble.