Riverside’s girls basketball team found a spark at the right time Tuesday as it defeated Jackson Center 38-28 in a Division IV sectional semifinal game at Sidney High School.
“I’m extremely proud of my girls for their effort tonight and picking up our program’s first postseason win in 10 years,” said RHS head coach Bryce Hodge.
“Give credit to Jackson Center. Their post players were dominating us in the first half, but thankfully my girls adjusted once we switched to the 2-3 and didn’t let the ball get inside. Our second-half defense won us the game. Kirstin Schlumbohm also shot the ball extremely well. Overall, I’m just happy for my team.”
The eighth-seeded Pirates improve to 13-10 and face state-ranked and top-seeded Ft. Loramie on Monday in a sectional final back at Sidney at 6 p.m.
Riverside held a four-point lead (17-14) after the first quarter to start Tuesday’s game. Jackson Center dominated the second quarter with an 8-1 run, which gave the Tigers a 22-18 lead at halftime.
The Pirates made up for the lapse in the third quarter by shutting out the Tigers 12-0. That put Riverside back on top 30-22. Jackson Center was unable to make up any ground in the fourth quarter.
Kirstin Schlumbohm powered the Pirates with 14 points, Lauryn Sanford had 10 points and 11 rebounds, while Olivia Perk chipped in six points.