GIRARD GETS THE UPPER HAND

By Matt Maher 

MCDONALD, OH – The Indians came out ready to go Tuesday night when they beat the Blue Devils 28-39. Girard led with great defensive positioning that severely limited the Blue Devils up until the 4th quarter and their offense found some strides as well.

Makenzee White was brilliant in the first quarter racking up 7 points for the Indians including an opening 3 and two 2’s. Mia Malito found 2 points of her own and showed us early how great she was rebounding and creating chances as she led multiple rushes and helped get her teammates into position which also shows how much she has grown as a leader as well. McDonald really struggled to get across the starting line as they would only find 3 points total in the 1st with a 2 pointer from Cierra Shirley and a made free throw from Mariah Bregar. 

Both teams showed much improved defense in the 2nd quarter where Girard would openly put up 6 to McDonalds 2. The Indians found scoring from three different sources: Ally Gassman, Caylee Wilkes and Malito. McDonald’s lone 2 points came from separate free throw attempts where Gracie Callow and Shirley would both go 1-for-2. 

McDonald’s offense continued to struggle after halftime where Juliana Krumpak would put up a bucket and get the and-1 notching her and her team 3 points for the quarter. Girard found 9 points for the quarter including 4 points for Malito and 2 more for White.

When I said offense was limited for the Blue Devils until the 4th I wasn’t kidding, McDonald exploded with 21 points including 6 points from both Krumpak and Addison Grewell and 5 for Shiley. On the other side Girard found 13 more points including 4 more from White to allow her to finish with 13 points and 3 more for Malito finishing her night with 11 points. 

Despite a great offensive outburst in the final frame, Girard would have done enough to earn themselves the win against their nearby rivals. Girards record moved to 4-6 while McDoland settled at 4-4. Girard continues their road trip on January 4th when they visit Lakeview at 6:15PM and McDonald will hit the road when they take on Heartland Christian as part of another girl-boy doubleheader on December 28th at 5:30PM.