West Liberty-Salem’s girls basketball team did not get many open looks against a tall and athletic Jonathan Alder squad on Thursday.
The visiting Pioneers, who are ranked ninth in this week’s Division II state poll, held the Tigers to 13 points over the first three periods en route to a 47-28 non-league victory.
WL-Salem drops to 13-3 on the season, while the Pioneers improve to 14-2.
After taking a 9-6 lead to end the first quarter, Jonathan Alder outscored the Tigers 11-2 in the second period to open up a 12-point cushion (20-8) at halftime.
The Pioneers blew the game wide open in the third period, using a 20-5 run to increase their lead to 27 points at 40-13.
WL-Salem scored the first seven points of the fourth quarter and ended up outscoring the visitors 15-7 in the period, but it was too little too late.
Selena Weaver was the lone Tiger to score in double figures as she finished with 11 points. Emily Hollary added six points.
Sydney Bourquin led Jonathan Alder with 11 points.
In junior varsity action, Jonathan Alder edged WL-Salem 22-20.
WL-Salem hosts Triad on Saturday in Ohio Heritage Conference action.
JON. ALDER 47, WL-SALEM 28
JONATHAN ALDER (14-2)
Bourquin 4 1-1 11; Walborm 3 0-0 7; Shepard 2 0-0 4; Zawodny 3 0-0 8; Wilson 2 0-0 4; Heisler 1 0-0 2; Jones 2 3-4 8; Ferrito 0 3-6 3. Totals: 17 7-11 47.
WL-SALEM (13-3)
Hollar 3 0-0 6; A. Williams 1 0-0 2; Estes 0 3-4 3; G. Williams 1 0-0 2; Weaver 4 3-6 11; Smith 1 0-0 3; Stewart 0 1-2 1. Totals: 10 7-12 28.
Pioneers 9 • 11 • 20 • 7 — 47
Tigers 6 • 2 • 5 • 15 — 28
Three pointers: Jonathan Alder 6 (Bourquin 2, Zawody 2, Walbom, Jones); WL-Salem 1 (Smith). Team fouls: Jonathan Alder 14; WL-Salem 8.