Senior Spartans show out in dominant win over Buckeyes 61-36
By: Joshua Jacob
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ALBANY, Ohio (WOUB) – The Nelsonville-York Lady Buckeyes took a trip to the Alley to face the Alexander Spartans for their senior night. The Spartans took charge early, forcing turnovers and getting buckets at the rim. This gave Alexander the dominant win, 61-36.
The Spartans started by celebrating their three seniors for senior night Kaylee Hudnall, Karah Allison, and Macie Hubbard. Hudnall talked about how it felt, “My teammates just made it an unforgettable experience, and I absolutely loved it.”
Starting out, Alexander wasted no time getting their lead up. In the process, Hudnall reached the 1,000-point milestone, putting a cap on her high school career. Hudnall talked about what she was thinking when she joined this exclusive club.
“I knew my teammates had my back, and they would help me with it. And they did great.” After big contributions from both Hudnall and Lily Ryder, Alexander left the first half with a strong lead, 32-15.
Coming out of the half, the Spartans didn’t take their foot off the gas, continuing their suffocating defense. In the third, Alexander held the Buckeyes to just six points.
They attacked passing lanes to get steals, but they also stepped up their aggression, taking opportunities to rip the ball whenever they could. That, mixed with their ability to finish at the rim in transition, helped the Spartans end the third up 48-21.
The stout defense continued into the fourth, and Head Coach Morgan Grinstead talked about how important it was.
“When we start in our press, it kind of gets us going, kind of gets us flowing, speeds the other team up. And creates turnovers, and we capitalize on a lot of those tonight.”
The Lady Buckeyes scored 15 in the final quarter; however, it was not enough, as the Spartans won 61-36. Coach Grinstead talked about how she felt after ending the regular season with two 1,000-point scorers.
“I’m super proud, obviously, that’s my first time ever having two, two people on my team or any, you know, to score that (1,000). I’m super proud of them. They’re both deserving, great players, super great kids, and I’m glad to celebrate with them.”
The Nelsonville-York Lady Buckeyes will return home looking to defend against Wellston on Feb. 12.
The Alexander Spartans will begin tournament play next week, taking on Huntington Feb. 18.