Bulldogs extend undefeated conference streak against Nelsonville-York
By: Luke Schmitt
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NELSONVILLE, Ohio (WOUB) – The Athens Bulldogs (13-3, 8-0) traveled to Nelsonville-York (5-14, 4-6) on Thursday, Jan. 29, for their first game of the week. The Lady Bulldogs were originally scheduled to face Vinton County, but that matchup was postponed to Feb. 11 due to inclement weather.
It was a back-and-forth contest in the first few minutes of the game. The Lady Buckeyes started hot with two quick threes, imposing their perimeter offense on the number one team in the conference.
The Lady Bulldogs’ defense stood out once again, whether it was double-teaming players once they reached the post or playing press-on-ball defense on the ballhandler.
Ella Chapman finished with 11 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals, getting things done on both ends of the court.
“Ella Chapman is the best on-ball defender I’ve ever coached, and I coached a lot of really, really good high school basketball players, and nobody guards the ball better than Ella Chapman,” Athens Head Coach Jeff Skinner said. “She is the absolute equalizer for us anytime we play anybody who’s got a scorer.”
Athens led Nelsonville-York 14–6 at the end of the first quarter and quickly pulled away, extending their lead to 28–18 at halftime. Madi Pidcock kept the Lady Buckeyes in the game with her 11 points, 2 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 2 steals.
The Lady Bulldogs played this game much like their contest last Thursday against Alexander. Nelsonville-York jumped out to an early 6–2 lead, but once Athens took control, they never looked back and continued to build on their advantage.
Athens had three players finish in double figures, Quinn Banks and Lex Koopal finishing aside Chapman’s 11 with 10 and 27, respectively. Koopal had another monster game for Athens following her 19-point, 11-rebound, and 8-block outing against Alexander last Thursday.
The Bulldogs outscored the Buckeyes 26-16 in the second half, routing Nelsonville-York for the second time this season, defeating them 54-33.
“Our legs were a little shaky today,” Skinner said. “Saturday, we host Gallipollis, Monday we go to Wellston, and then we play Meigs, Maysville, and then Vinton County and River Valley. We still have a few games left, but hopefully we have our legs back by then.”
Athens moved to 8-0 in conference play, while Nelsonville-York fell to 4-6.