The Big Green played hard to keep their 1-loss record before the tournament draw, with senior Krystal Markward hitting a three to get them off to a great start. The Lady Wildcats struggled to get started as they only tallied 10 points to Ottoville’s 19. Stephanie Blockberger (9 points) worked hard at the post to make two tough shots for the Wildcats. Tricia Honigford put in a basket from behind the arc to help her eight points for the Big Green.
“Stephanie did a nice job on the inside for us today. Their outside shooting really hurt early,” stated Jefferson coach Dave Hoffman.
The Lady ’Cats continued to struggle through the second quarter as Ottoville held them to only three points. Brittany Pohlman (16 markers) came out hitting for the Big Green, scoring half of her points in the quarter. Emily Fought made the guests only bucket of the quarter besides Ashley Watkin’s foul shot. The Lady ’Cats more than doubled the turnovers the Big Green had at halftime as Ottoville took a 33-13 lead to the locker room.
“We played adequately. We were working on things. It helped having older kids that they don’t have. When they get healthy and have maturity, they will be dynamite,” stated Ottoville coach Dave Kleman.
Jefferson played hard in the third quarter, scoring eight points and holding the Big Green to 10. Jenna Miller drained a three in hope of helping the Lady Cats get some momentum but the deficit grew to 43-21 at the end.
The Lady ‘Cats shot 27 percent from the field overall to the Big Green’s 45 percent. They matched each other’s 63 percent from the line.
Gina Beining added 11 markers and five rebounds for Ottoville.
“We had too many turnovers and were not getting back. I was pleased with the effort on defense. They are a nice team on the outside and with Beining on the inside,” added Hoffman.
Jefferson seemed to fall back again in the fourth quarter, only scoring five with Morgan Fischbach coming off the bench for a 3 pointer. Tasha Kaufman added three points for the Big Green.
“We played very unselfish. We didn’t shoot well but played good enough on defense,” ended Kleman.
The Lady ’Cats (5-9) visit Bluffton Thursday, while Ottoville (14-1) hosts Elida Tuesday.
In JV action, the Big Green conquered the Lady ’Cats 62-15. Ottoville was led in scoring by Kari Beining with 14; Jefferson was topped by Tiffany Culp with five.
