Federal Hocking loses heartbreaking sweet sixteen matchup
By: Tyler Bush
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PICKERINGTON, Ohio (WOUB) – The Federal Hocking Lancers (15-8) traveled to Pickerington North High School to take on the Shenandoah Zeppelins (24-2) for an OHSAA Sweet Sixteen matchup. After a tight matchup for the entire game, the Zeppelins struck the final blow to win 46 to 43.
Right away, Shenandoah would jump out to an early lead thanks to some great post play by Molly Van Fleet. The Lancers weren’t going to give up without a fight, as senior Takira Walker would score six straight to draw Federal Hocking back within striking distance.
From there on out, it would be back and forth throughout the first half. Walker would put up five more to finish with eleven in the half, while the Zeppelins’ Brenna Leach would have a great start in the paint. The teams would head into the locker rooms all tied up at 27.
In the third quarter, the style of play would change for both teams. Walker would slow down from the field, but Brenlee Cottrill would heat up as the Zeppelins would sink into a zone for some time. The Zeppelins would keep answering on offense thanks to Leach and Emma Dailey getting to the line.
The final quarter would start knotted at 38, and Cottrill would knock down some shots to give the Lancers their first lead since early in the game. It wouldn’t last long as some costly turnovers and fouls would find the Zeppelins down two with little time left on the clock. A trip to the line for Shenandoah would end with the first free throw sunk, but the second would be missed. An ensuing offensive rebound and putback would put Shenandoah up three.
Federal Hocking had a few chances to answer, but they wouldn’t find the net again as the Zeppelins would take down the Lancers 46-43. The Lancers end their season 15-9, while Shenandoah moves on to face Harvest Prep this Saturday.