Typical of a season opener, West Liberty-Salem’s girls basketball team experienced some opening-night jitters in the the first half against Fairbanks on Friday. But the Tigers settled in during the second half to run away for a 50-29 victory in an Ohio Heritage Conference contest.
The Tigers led 21-9 at halftime and then continued to add to their lead in the second half.
“We talked at halftime that our goal is to keep our turnovers to 10 or less, but we had 14 in the first half,” said WL-Salem head coach Dennis McIntosh. “We responded better in the second half. I think we just had four or five. Our ball movement also was better and we were more patient. I think we played a little too fast at times in the first half.”
WL-Salem lost standout guards Gabby Hollar and Kelsey Day to graduation, and it was noticeable in the first half as the Tigers struggled to get into an offensive rhythm at times.
However, the offense heated up in the second half. Sophomore guard Emily Hollar finished with 18 points and junior guard Grace Estes hit three three-pointers in the third quarter to help WL-Salem put away the Panthers.
Estes finished with 11 points and junior post Selena Weaver had 13 points.
“Emily was able to hit some shots and Grace hit those three three-pointers, and that is important because it takes pressure off of Selena inside,” said McIntosh.
Gabby Williams chipped in six points for the Tigers.
“We have three girls that are pretty much new to varsity basketball, so there are going to be some growing pains adjusting to this level,” said McIntosh. “I thought Emily and Grace did a good job settling them down.”
The Tigers will get a bigger test Tuesday as they host Tippecanoe.
“We are going to have to take better care of the basketball,” said McIntosh. “We also have to stay out of foul trouble. Hopefully, we kind of got those first-night nerves out of our system and we are a little more calm at the start of the game.”
In Friday’s junior varsity contest, Fairbanks won 31-15. Ayva Stewart led the Tigers with seven points.
WL-SALEM 50, FAIRBANKS 29
FAIRBANKS (0-1, 0-1)
Rausch 2 2-2 6; Miller 2 0-1 4; Rugel 3 0-1 6; Rowland 1 0-0 2; Miller 1 0-0 2; Lehman 1 2-5 4; Lohmers 1 2-2 5 . Totals: 11 6-11 29.
WL-SALEM (1-0, 1-0)
Hollar 8 1-2 18; A. Williams 1 0-0 2; Estes 4 0-0 11; G. Williams 2 1-2 6; Weaver 5 3-3 13. Totals: 20 5-7 50.
Panthers 7 • 2 • 9 • 11 — 29
Tigers 15 • 6 • 17 • 12 — 50
Three pointers: Fairbanks 1 (Lohmers); WL-Salem 5 (Estes 3, Hollar, G. Williams). Team fouls: Fairbanks 10; WL-Salem 11.