The Division III girls basketball Final Four started the second day of the 36th annual girls basketball state tournament Friday at Ohio State’s Schottenstein Center. Talk about two good games – here’s how it played out…
Anna 57, Fort Recovery 40
The Rockets and Indians opened the game by committing 22 turnovers and 13 fouls in a first quarter that ended 10-10. From there Anna (26-1) slowly gained control and outscored Fort Recovery (23-4) in each of final three quarters to advance to its first state final since winning it all in 1981. The biggest spurt was a 12-4 run in the third quarter that gave the Rockets a 42-31 lead. Fort Recovery never got closer than nine after that.
Anna was led by senior center Megan Fogt who averages a double-double and had another against the Indians with 14 points and 14 rebounds. She also hit 6-of-6 free throws and tallied four steals. Senior Carrie Watkins added a team-high 16 points off the bench.
The Rockets turned the tide on the glass and at the free throw line. Anna shot 31 free throws (made 20) and outrebounded the Indians 41-28. Fort Recovery was whistled for 22 fouls.
The Indians came in averaging 62 points per game but hit just 2-of-17 3-pointers. Junior Kylie Kahlig led Fort Recovery with 13 points.
*Player of the Game: Carrie Watkins, Sr., Anna: Listed as a starter, Watkins came off the bench and delivered. In addition to her game-high 16 points, Watkins also grabbed nine boards and went 6-of-6 from the free throw line. She was 2-of-3 from 3s.. *Stat of the Game: The teams combined for 51 turnovers. Fort Recovery had 28.
Oak Hill 53, Elyria Catholic 49
Down 31-18 at halftime, the Oaks mounted an incredible second half comeback to advance to their second state championship game in three years and third overall. Oak Hill (25-0) outscored Elyria Catholic 35-18 in the second half including 21-7 in the third quarter.
After shooting just 3-of-16 from 3-point range in the first half, the Oaks hit 6-of-11 (54-percent) in the final two quarters. They also outrebounded the taller Panthers 16-13 in the second half and 33-30 for the game.
Oak Hill was led by junior Taylor Hale who had 17 points. Senior Mikie Strite chipped in 11.
Senior Ashley Schuster led Elyria Catholic (22-4) with 16 points and eight rebounds. Senior Emily Taylor added 12 points and seven boards.
*Player of the Game: Taylor Hale, Jr., Oak Hill: The 5-foot-10 forward and daughter of head coach Doug Hale had a terrific shooting night and overall game. Hale hit 6-of-6 free throws and 3-of-5 3s en route to her game-high 17 points. She also grabbed eight rebounds and played all 32 minutes. *Stat of the Game: Elyria Catholic made just three field goals in the second half. They had 11 in the first.
D-III Final: Anna (26-1) vs Oak Hill (26-0), Saturday, 5:15 p.m.
