Eastern takes an early first quarter lead and never looks back.
By: Jamey Spears
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REEDSVILLE, Ohio (WOUB) — The 1-1 Waterford Wildcats traveled to Reedsville to face the 2-1 Eastern Eagles. The defending state champions lost three senior starters last season and returned only Brynnlee Pottmeyer and Elise Malec.
Eastern won the opening tip and jumped out to a 6-0 lead. Waterford’s Pottmeyer answered with a 3-pointer to make it 6-3.
A layup by Brooklyn Barkley and an and-one from Braelyn Simpson pushed the Eagles’ lead to 14-7. Pottmeyer responded again with another three late in the first quarter.
Eastern’s Krystin Fackler hit a buzzer-beater to close the first with a 16-10 lead.
The second quarter belonged entirely to the Eagles, who went on an 8-0 run to end the half, fueled by several baskets from Fackler. Eastern led 27-12 at halftime.
Waterford opened the second half with a 4-0 run, but Eastern answered quickly when Emeri Lloyd knocked down a 3-pointer. The Eagles extended their lead 46-16 late in the third quarter.
Down by 30, Waterford head coach Jerry Close pulled his starters to give younger players time on the floor.
A long jumper by Waterford cut the deficit to 35, but Eastern maintained control. A running clock was started in the fourth quarter, and the Eagles added a pair of late free throws.
Makenzie Robertson and Braelyn Simpson combined for 17 points in the win against Waterford, improving their record to 3-1 on the season.
Fackler also finished with 23 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Eastern defeated the defending state champions 59-20, handing Waterford its first conference loss since 2023.
Eastern hosts Federal Hocking on Tuesday. Waterford looks to rebound Sunday against Amanda-Clearcreek.