Host Indian Lake came through in the clutch to pull out a 45-43 victory over Logan County rival Riverside in a non-league girls basketball game Monday night. The Lakers improve to 9-12 on the season, while the Pirates drop to 9-10.
“Tonight was a great basketball game between two local schools,” said Riverside coach Bryce Hodge. “We came out sluggish in the first half, we were too sloppy with the ball, and didn’t have great effort on defense. We got in some foul trouble once again in the first half. We have to start playing more disciplined defensively.
“Although we started out playing pretty rough, I’m proud of my girls’ effort in the second half, even taking a lead with under 30 seconds after a big three from Lauryn Sanford. We just didn’t finish it out. We almost had a steal, but we let them get a jump ball out of it, which gave them possession under their basket. Out of that play, they hit a big-time three to take the lead. That’s why we always preach the little things, if we don’t give them the jump ball, they don’t get to run a baseline play and who knows what happens. It was a great atmosphere tonight and both teams played hard. Credit to Indian Lake for getting the tough win.” It was a nip-and-tuck battle from the start Monday.
The Pirates led 6-3 after one quarter before Indian Lake jumped in front to lead 22-19 at halftime. The Lakers pushed their lead to seven points (32-25) after three quarters.
Riverside fought back to get a brief lead late, but the Lakers were able to pull out the two-point win.
Kayli Barlow led the Lakers with 13 points. Kyleigh Huffer contributed 12 points, and Kaylee Shelton also landed in double figures with 10 points.
Lauryn Sanford scored a game-high 21 points to pace Riverside. Amber Waters tallied 12 points and nine rebounds and Alli Knight chipped in with eight points.
In the junior varsity game, Indian Lake won 43-20. Stephanie Alstaetter led the Lakers with 12 points and Meadow McCullough had 10 points. Kaelan Copas led the Pirates with six points and Alaina Heath had four points.
Indian Lake returns to action Wednesday at home against Graham, while Riverside plays Thursday at Upper Scioto Valley in a varsity-only contest.
INDIAN LAKE 45
RIVERSIDE 43
RIVERSIDE (9-10)
Knight 4 0-0 8; Sanford 6 8-11 21; Waters 6 0-
1 12; Perk 1 0-0 2. Totals: 17 8-12 43.
INDIAN LAKE (9-12)
Golliday 2 0-0 5; Barlow 5 1-5 13; Talbot 1 1-2
3; Huffer 4 0-0 12; Kinney 1 0-0 2; Shelton 4 1-
4 10. Totals: 17 3-11 45.
Pirates 6 13 6 18 — 43
Lakers 3 19 10 13 — 45
Three pointers: Riverside 1 (Sanford); Indian
Lake 8 (Huffer 4, Barlow 2, Golliday, Shelton).
Team fouls: Riverside 14; Indian Lake 13.