Waterford girls roll past Frontier on the road
By: Jamey Spears
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NEW MATAMORAS, Ohio (WOUB) – The 8-8 Waterford Wildcats traveled 45 minutes Monday night to face a familiar foe in the Frontier Cougars, who defeated the Wildcats earlier in the season by a score of 29-25. This time, however, Waterford left no doubt, earning a decisive 61-36 victory. Elsie Malec led the charge for the Wildcats, finishing with a game-high 22 points as Waterford controlled the game from start to finish.
Brynlee Pottmeyer provided an impressive start for Waterford, scoring four straight points to open the game. Freshman Shaeli Hayes extended the early run to 10-0 with a pair of free throws as the Wildcats applied pressure on both ends of the floor. Frontier eventually responded when Willow Smitley knocked down a three-pointer to put the Cougars on the board.
Malec helped Waterford maintain its momentum late in the first quarter, coming up with a steal and converting a layup to give the Wildcats a 16-5 lead after one. Waterford’s defensive effort limited Frontier’s scoring opportunities, forcing turnovers and controlling the tempo.
The second quarter was all Waterford, as the Wildcats outscored Frontier 15-8. Malec continued to be a focal point on offense, attacking the basket and knocking down perimeter shots. Smitley connected on another three-pointer late in the quarter to give Frontier a spark, but Waterford remained firmly in control heading into halftime with a 31-13 lead.
Coming out of the break, Malec opened the third quarter with a three-pointer to continue her dominant night. Ava Hurley added a pair of easy layups as part of her 11-point performance, helping Waterford stretch its lead even further. Waterford continued to pressure Frontier defensively, limiting open looks and turning defense into offense.
Malec’s 22 points came in a variety of ways, as she scored in transition, finished through contact and knocked down shots from beyond the arc. Her performance helped steady the Wildcats whenever Frontier attempted to make a run. Waterford’s depth and balanced scoring were also on display in the second half, with multiple players contributing on both ends of the floor.
Pottmeyer finished with 12 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals, contributing in all facets of the game. Waterford’s strong all-around performance helped secure the road win and avenge the earlier loss. The Wildcats forced 27 turnovers in the game.
Waterford will return home Thursday to face the Trimble Tomcats, who have won eight of their last nine games. Frontier will also be back in action Thursday, traveling to Belpre to face the Golden Eagles.