Waterford’s physical play gets best of Federal Hocking
By: Charlie Lusk
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WATERFORD, Ohio (WOUB) — As conference play starts to get into full swing, the Federal Hocking Lancers traveled to Waterford to face the one-loss Wildcats. With close losses to Waterford and Belpre earlier in the season, Federal Hocking needed to win this game if they wanted to win the TVC-Hocking. After a physical affair, the Lancers fell to the Wildcats 60 to 41.
The contest went to a dream start for the Lancers when Brenlee Cottrill grabbed a steal in the first 8 seconds that she took to the basket for a quick two points. This, however, would be the only lead Federal Hocking had on the night.
Halfway through the first quarter the Wildcats allowed just 5 points and exploded on offense to take a 19 to 10 lead to end the first quarter. In a hard-fought conference game, scoring came at a premium. In multiple stretches, both offenses came at a standstill with very little production. This was especially the case to start the second quarter when only 2 field goals were converted in the first three minutes.
After lying dormant, the Lancers offense woke up. McKala Nelson and Takira Walker both hit 3-pointers late in the half to cut the lead to 5 in the first half. The first half ends with Waterford leading 30 to 25. But almost every time that the Lancers got on a run, the Wildcats called a timeout, coming out hot and reversing the Lancers’ fortunes.
Once the whistle blew to begin the second half, Avery Wagner took full control of the paint on both sides of the ball. The senior ended the night with 23 points, 16 rebounds, and 6 blocks. The size advantage of the Wildcats forced the Lancers into several bad shots and turnovers that swung the momentum of the game. Brenlee Cotrill, with 11 points and 2 steals, was Federal Hocking’s leading scorer.
The Waterford Wildcats beat the Federal Hocking Lancers 60 to 41. Waterford seeks to keep their momentum against Southern next Thursday. As for Federal Hocking, they have another big conference matchup against the Belpre Golden Eagles next Thursday.