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Laura Manderick’s (middle) teammates Harper Bennett (from left), Kesi Federspiel, Mindi Gregory, and Haylie Mills embrace her after she scores her one-thousandth point of her high school basketball career in the form of a free throw during their home game on Thursday, January 31, 2019.

Rebounds Fuel Spartan Win, Manderick Hits 1,000 Mark

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Lady Bulldog’s junior guard Laura Manderick drained her second free throw with 3:56 remaining in the first half to score her 1,000th career point. The game was stopped in honor of her achievement and Manderick took the game ball up to her father and they embraced each other.

“It was pretty special and probably one of my favorite moments,” Manderick said after the game.

Manderick wasn’t the only star of Thursday night’s game.

The Alexander Lady Spartans (18-2, 9-2 TVC-Ohio) put on one of the most dominant offensive performances the Lady Bulldogs (7-13, 2-8) have seen this season.

Alexander was able to put 45 points on the scoreboard and hold Athens to only 17 points before entering into halftime. They would end the game with the win, 64-37.

Offensive rebounding for the Lady Spartans allowed for second chance shots, which they capitalized on, draining the Athens defense. In the first half alone they hauled in 12 rebounds, five of which were offensive rebounds.

Alexander’s offense was clicking with crisp passes and high percentage shots. They were able to make the extra passes in order to get open looks, and those open looks were falling. A player that was able to capitalize on those kinds of shots was senior guard Rachel Richardson. She had a game high of 21 points and was an impressive 8-for-8 from the free-throw line.

MeKena Rice was a rebound short of a double-double.  She finished with 14 points and was aggressive on the boards pulling in nine rebounds.

Hustle and intensity is a staple of this Alexander team.  Two players that show constant hustle when on the court are Marlee Grinstead and Jadyn Mace. They both dive for loose balls and sprinting down the court to stop fast breaks. Having players like these is what makes the Lady Spartans so hard to beat.

The Lady Bulldogs were unable to stop the fast pace offense of the Lady Spartans but they didn’t stop competing. Laura Manderick led her team in scoring with 14 points. Second in scoring for the Athens was Kaylee Stewart with seven points and three rebounds.

The Lady Spartans are riding a five game winning streak and return to action at home against Logan High School on Monday Feb. 4.  Athens looks to bounce back against Meigs on Monday Feb. 4 at home.