The Wildcats outfox the Tigers in the Jungle
By: Thomas Billington
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MARIETTA, Ohio (WOUB) – TVC-Hocking Women’s Champion, The Waterford Wildcats (21-1, 10-0), faced the Twin State leagues champion, Marietta Tigers (20-1, 6-0), in a matchup which pits two number one seated playoff teams against each other. A setup, which allows both teams to go into the playoffs fresh off a tough battle.
Both teams came out swinging, playing tough and gritty basketball that showed off both defenses impeccable blocks, steals, and stops. However, the matchup would escape the claws of the Tigers, as Waterford would win the game 49-41.
Coach Close knew that the Tigers would be taking the game to the Wildcats throughout, “We knew their [Marietta] were going to make runs, they’re a good shooting team. And we talked about in the preparations for this game, we got to keep the composure.”
When the action started in the first, Waterford would manage to take an early lead, as the Wildcats drained two-unanswered threes. Waterford would continue to hit threes in the first as the team went four for five from the arc. Senior Forward Avery Wagner knew that the team was ready for the challenge, “We knew that we just had be here tonight, that it’s a tournament environment.” The Wildcats led the Tigers 16-4 after one.
The second quarter saw the Tigers tried mount a comeback, as Marietta scored 13 points in the period. But Waterford continued to score, adding nine more points to their first quarter total. The Wildcats headed into the locker room with the lead, 25-17.
The second half of play was a repeat of the first, as both teams contested every single possession, guarding their opponent tight and close. The Tigers managed to cut the lead to five, but the Wildcats led the game from that point onwards. The Wildcats extended the lead back up to ten to end the third, 27-37.
The fourth continued the theme of the game, everyone on the court playing every procession like the game depends on it. The Wildcats keep their foot on the pedal to the final buzzer, not allowing the Tigers to mount a comeback. Waterford won the game, 49-41.
The Marietta Tigers play the Sheridan Generals or Miami Trace Panthers in the first round of the Division Three playoffs.
The Wildcats await the winner of the Clay Panthers versus the Glenwood Tigers as the Division Seven playoff begin.