Hardwood Heroes Sports
Lady Lancers Drop First Game Versus Shenandoah
By: Alex Porter
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SARAHSVILLE, Ohio- In the first game of the season, the Federal Hocking Lady Lancers looked to get the season off on the right foot. Their first challenge of the 2019-20 season would be against the Shenandoah Raiders, a solid, non-conference foe.
The theme of the game was a tale between two halfves and an overtime, but ultimately, the Lancers fell to the Raiders 54-50.
The Lancers managed to keep a healthy lead throughout a good chunk of the game, but when time started to slowly wind down, the game became close. A large reason to the Lancers’ troubles later in the game was due to foul trouble. From tipoff, Federal Hocking was having foul problems.
The biggest loss of the game was junior Emma Beha, who fouled out, while only contributing six points. According to head coach Jeremy Tolson, the foul trouble got to Beha early, forcing Tolson to bench the talented center.
Not only did the foul bug hit Beha, but several players as well, which caused Tolson to play several freshmen.
Another key to the game were free throws. The Raiders went to the free throw line a total of 34 times. That’s correct. 34 times. Of those 34, 25 of the shots were made. Those 25 free throws account for roughly half of Shenandoah’s points.
On the bright side for the Lancers, junior Paige Tolson totaled 21 points and fellow junior Kylie Tabler added 12 points. A strong start to the season from these two players will be crucial to Federal Hocking’s success.
Tolson, who received an “All-Future” team bid from Hardwood Heroes last season, is the anchor for the Lady Lancers. Tolson, along with Tabler and Beha, are the top players on this young roster, and will have to get in rhythm fast if the Lancers look to be successful later this season.
As for now, the Lancers will put game one in the past and move on to their second game of the season next Monday at home against South Gallia with a “0-0” record mentality.