LADY SPARTANS BATTLE BACK TO IMPRESSIVE WIN
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REdgNzPAZQYBOARDMAN, OH- In a thrilling encounter, the Boardman girls’ basketball team secured a noteworthy 55-45 victory over the Louisville Leopards. Despite a slow start that saw Louisville racing to a 20-9 lead at the end of the 1st quarter, the Lady Spartans rallied in the second quarter, showcasing improved shooting and defensive prowess. Restricting the Leopards to just 7 points in the second quarter, Boardman narrowed the gap to 27-21 by halftime.
The Spartans truly seized control in the second half, outscoring Louisville 34-18 and clinching a 10-point triumph. Mackenzie Riccitelli led the charge with an outstanding game-high 25 points, an impressive 9-10 from the free-throw line, and four successful 3-pointers. Sam Duble, instrumental in keeping the Spartans competitive in the first half, finished with 15 points, including three 3-pointers. M.C. Werth contributed 6 points, delivering a crucial three-pointer in the third quarter to ignite a pivotal run.
Ava Freeborough showcased her prowess in the second half, accumulating all 5 of her points and leading the team with 3 assists that resulted in crucial baskets. Sarah Bero added 4 points and 7 rebounds, displaying commendable defensive work against Louisville’s star player, Brooke Haren. Tori Strines made a significant impact off the bench, providing a defensive spark, while Mikayla Rivera contributed quality minutes.
For Louisville, Brooke Haren had 17 points, while Courtney Barwick had 12.
The Boardman coaching staff expressed immense pride in the team’s resilience, especially after being down by 13 points in the first half. Despite initial struggles with shooting accuracy, the girls remained positive and demonstrated remarkable resolve, securing enough defensive stops to stay in the game until their shots began to find the mark.
Notably, Louisville entered the game undefeated at 3-0, consistently winning by substantial margins. Boardman’s triumph in this challenging matchup speaks volumes about the team’s character. With this win, Boardman advances to a 2-0 record and is poised to face the formidable 4-0 Lake Blue Streaks at home on Wednesday.
