RUTLEDGE GOES FOR CAREER HIGH; DOGS EDGE UNITED

EAST PALESTINE, OH- When it comes to Christmas, it’s better to give than to receive.  For East Palestine Junior, Morgan Rutledge, she gave a Christmas performance her parents will never forget as she and her teammates outlasted EOAC rival United to the tune of 45-42 Monday evening.

In a game that came down to last-minute free-throws, the Lady Bulldogs cashed in diamonds when the pressure looked to burst pipes.

Rutledge posted a career-high 16 points in a physical game, controlling the paint against the Lady Eagles.  Payton Sherry had a double-double with a team-high 18 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals while Sophomore Paige Snyder continued to thrive with 11 tallies, 8 rebounds, and 3 rips for East Palestine.

For the Lady Eagles, Bailey Boosz had a game-high 23 points, while Morgan Briceland contributed 6.

Both teams will break for Christmas before they return to action.  East Palestine will welcome Springfield to town on December 30th, while United will have some time to regroup when they meet Lisbon on January 6th.