Federal Hocking’s historic season ends in regional semifinal
By: Charlie Lusk
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PICKERINGTON, Ohio (WOUB) — For the first time since 1989, the Federal Hocking Lancers have won their district and are played in a regional semi-final. In their attempted quest to continue their campaign, the Lancers had to rematch against the Harvest Prep Warriors. A memorable season however ended at the hands of Harvest Prep 71 to 56.
The game started out as a very fast paced, high scoring affair despite the stakes of tournament play. Both teams exchanged blows running up and down the court. The Lancers opened the scoring with two quick Rorie Tabler three-pointers while Warriors Adjoa Acheampong and Janay Carter attacked the basket.
Harvest Prep went into the first quarter with a 20 to 17 lead. The second quarter saw the pace slow down as the gritty defense that one would expect out of a playoff game. Neither team made field goals for a few minutes. Brenlee Cottrill continually got to the charity stripe and converted 5 of 6 in the quarter to keep stride with Harvest Prep. However, the Warriors went into the half up 31 to 28. The Warriors won the game from behind the arc shooting 5 for 12 in the first half from 3 compared to the Lancer’s 2 for 7.
Once the third quarter came through, the defensive prowess of Harvest Prep showed its might. Maliyah Lofton and Israelle Smith took over the game making plays on both sides of the ball. By forcing several bad shots in the paint, the Warriors held the Lancers to 5 points in the third quarter.
This lead was too much for Federal Hocking to overcome. They caught fire from behind the arc with Takira Walker, Brenlee Cottrill, and Taylor Snedden converting from behind the arc, but were unable to stage a full comeback.
Federal Hocking’s season ends in the Region 23 Semi-Final at the hands of Harvest Prep. While obviously disappointing to end the season, this Lancer team has made Federal Hocking history and Head Coach Amos Cottrill is proud of this team and looking forward to the future.
“Theres only one happy team at the end of the year,” said Coach Amos Cottrill after the game. “We had that conversation; we thanked the seniors for everything they put in. We’re going to be back; this is the standard for our basketball team. But we know what it takes know.”
Seniors Jaylee Orsborne, Olivia Tabler, Addison Jackson and Audry Clingenpeel were all contributors and long-standing members of this Federal Hocking team. Their high school careers come to an end but their contributions to Federal Hocking basketball will not be forgotten.