Federal Hocking goes back-to-back in district finals
By: Charlie Lusk
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CHILLICOTHE, Ohio (WOUB) — The Federal Hocking Lancers’ tournament run saw them head back to Southeastern to face off against the Valley Indians in the district finals. Coming off a season where they won their first district title since 1989, Federal Hocking had this game circled as one of their main goals throughout the year. The Lancers grabbed their second straight district tile after beating Valley 45-25.
In the spirit of tournament play, the game started slow offensively. The Lancers went the first four minutes without making a field goal and Katelyn Queen’s quick five points allowed the Indians to get out to an early lead. But Brenlee Cottrill, sole scorer for the Lancers in the first quarter, grabbed nine points to keep Valley at bay.
“That was the best defensive performance we had all year,” said head coach Amos Cottrill. “To hold that team to 25 points is a big accomplishment. The girls locked in on what we did on practice all week and then they executed today.” Federal Hocking went into the first half up 9-5.
Valley early in the second quarter tightened up defensively to tie the game up at nine. Federal Hocking’s scoring drought ended once Laura Blower hit a baseline three to the roar of the crowd. The triple set up an 8-0 run from the Lancers to end the second quarter.
The physicality and disciplined defense shined through for both teams, but especially Federal Hocking, who held Valley to just nine points in the first half. The Lancers ended the half with a 17-9 lead.
The third quarter saw Federal Hocking offense heat up. McKayla Nelson got on the board and made her impact felt, grabbing three corner three-pointers for nine of the Lancers’ 16 points in the third quarter. Valley could only play catchup while Federal Hocking continued to keep their defensive shape.
The Lancers took this momentum through the fourth quarter, grabbing a very convincing win to win their second district title in two years.
After a courageous tournament run, Valley’s season ends at the end of Federal Hocking. The Indians year end with a record of 15-10 (5-5 in conference play).
Federal Hocking goes into the next round, facing the Shenandoah Zeps in the Region 23 semi-finals. The Lancers saw their season end in this same spot last year against Harvest Prep. The game will be played March 4, at Pickerington North High School.