Eastern dominates Whiteoak in district semi-finals
By: Evan Johnson
Posted on:
LUCASVILLE, Ohio (WOUB) – Eastern (17-5, 8-2) traveled to Valley High School (8-13, 5-8) to take on the Whiteoak Wildcats in the district semi-finals. The Lady Eagles started the game with a 7-0 run and never looked back, cruising to a 59-23 playoff win.
From the tip, Eastern was able to get easy buckets, leading them to an 11-2 run after the first three minutes. The Lady Eagles did not come out in a full-court press like they have in the past, but their defense was still as effective.
The trend continued through the first eight minutes with Eastern up 21-8. In the second quarter, the Lady Eagles’ offense started to slow down. Mackenzie Robertson was able to bring life back to the team by hitting two straight shots from behind the arc.
Whiteoak got several open looks but could not get anything to fall. Eastern continued their dominance, winning 36-18 at the half.
To start the third quarter, Eastern switched from man defense to a 2-3 zone. “I think we were gassed a little bit, but it is a good thing to have in our back pocket for when we need it,” said Eastern head coach Hayden Plummer.
Throughout the entire third quarter, the Lady Eagles did not allow a single point.
The final eight minutes were led by more fireworks as Robertson and Kyrstin Fackler kept knocking down shots. They both led the game with 17 points.
Both squads made mass substitutions in the final minutes of the game, and the Wildcats were able to make some late shots. It was not enough as Eastern wins their first playoff game for the first time since 2023, 58-29.
For Whiteoak, this ends their season with an 8-14 record. They went 5-8 in conference play this season.
They will have a chance to win their first district championship since 2017 against South Gallia on Feb. 28.