Hardwood Heroes Sports
Lady Eagles Lose Competitive Matchup Against 12-Seeded Oak Hill
By: Jack Demmler
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JACKSON, Ohio—Win or go home. That is what is on everyone’s mind when its playoff time.
The 21-seeded Eastern Lady Eagles entered round one of the OHSAA playoffs Thursday night as the underdog to the 12-seeded Oak Hill Lady Oaks.
Despite a hot start rebounding the ball and holding a one point lead heading into the half, the Eagles faced a lot of foul trouble leading to a 52-50 defeat.
The Eagles came into this game following a 57-46 loss to the Meigs Marauders and looked to get back on the winning track. However, they had a very daunting task against Oak Hills who won two of their last three games.
Eastern started the game with intensity, they went after every missed shot and pulled in many offensive rebounds. This helped give the Lady Eagles second chance opportunities.
Thanks to those second chance points, the Lady Eagles held a 13-11 lead after one quarter of play.
Rebounds continued to go Eastern’s way in the second quarter.
The key contributor to the Lady Eagles’ strong rebound game was Jamie Basham who had six offensive rebounds and five defensive boards.
The Lady Eagles held a four point lead with 10 seconds left in the half but a late turnover and a 3-pointer buzzer beater by Caitlyn Brisker would help Oak Hill cut the deficit to 23-22 heading into the locker room.
The tide began to turn at the start of the third quarter. The Lady Eagles suffered many turnovers and fouls. Eastern found themselves with six team fouls with four minutes left in the third quarter.
The Lady Oaks’ multiple free throws and enforced defense helped them to a 34-32 lead heading into the final quarter of play.
“The second half showed a little more immaturity,” head coach Chuck Robinson said. “But our girls responded well and did what they needed to do and actually played really well and we’re very proud of them.”
Despite being down late, Eastern did not give up. Sydney Reynolds drained a contested 3-pointer to cut the deficit to three.
However, Brisker was able to drain her last two free throws extending the lead to five which proved to be the nail in the coffin.
Brisker still tried to keep the Lady Eagles alive as she dropped another 3-pointer with three seconds left.
Brisker ended the night as the team’s leading scorer with 17 points.
However, the second half turnovers proved to be crucial as the Eagles finished with twenty three total turnovers.
The late game push was too little too late as the Lady Oaks were able to waste the last three seconds and send the Eagles home.