LADY SPARTANS BOUNCE BACK IN A BIG WAY
BOARDMAN, OH- On a day when Mackenzie Riccitelli blew out 18 candles on her birthday cake, she and her teammates blew out Tallmadge on the scoreboard. The Boardman girls’ basketball team showcased resilience and determination, securing a commanding 52-38 victory on Friday night. The game unfolded as a back-and-forth battle, with the Spartans overcoming halftime challenges to outscore the Blue Devils 22-5 in the final quarter, ultimately sealing a 14-point triumph.
The win served as a strong rebound for Boardman, coming off a tough loss to Aurora just days prior. With this victory, the Spartans improved their record to an impressive 5-2, while Tallmadge dropped to 6-3.
Mackenzie Riccitelli emerged as the star of the game, delivering a phenomenal performance with a game-high and career-high 28 points, showcasing precision from the free-throw line with a perfect 10-10 record. Riccitelli’s impact extended beyond scoring, contributing 7 rebounds and 4 steals. Ava Freeborough added 8 crucial points, including a pivotal three-pointer in the fourth quarter that helped solidify Boardman’s lead.
Despite facing foul trouble, Sarah Bero displayed resilience, finishing with 7 points and 5 rebounds. Tori Strines, coming off the bench, made a significant contribution with a key three-pointer in the first half. Sam Duble, M.C. Werth, and Mikayla Rivera each added 2 points to the tally, with Werth’s noteworthy hustle play late in the game earning an extra possession for the Spartans.
Boardman’s success at the free-throw line was a highlight, boasting an impressive 18-22 record in the game. The girls look ahead to their next challenge, returning to action in the South Range Holiday Classic next Thursday, where they are set to face the Struthers Wildcats.
