UNITED KEEPS UP THEIR DOMINANCE OF THE EOAC

COLUMBIANA OH- United traveled to Columbiana Thursday looking to cement their place at the top of the EOAC standings. Despite a late rally by the Clippers, the Eagles survived 47-38 claiming their 6th straight victory.

UnIted started off quickly behind the inside play of Taylor Cope. Cope scored 8 of her 10 points on the night in the 1st quarter helping build the United lead to 20-12  The 2nd quarter was quite the struggle for both offenses. Neither team could find their groove, Grayson Kidder would provide the lone highlight as the junior hit a buzzer beating bank shot for three as the Eagles took a 27-14 to the locker room. United came out of the locker room with a purpose, building their lead to 38-20 as the game was quickly getting away from the Clippers.

The offense for the Clippers came alive in the final frame. Back to back three point baskets by Alaina Johnston and Ellie Venezia to start the quarter quickly brought the Clippers faithful to life down 12.

The Eagles offense, plagued by many turnovers in the quarter, was kept on life support by Grace Knight. Knight, 16 points & 7 rebounds, would be the source offense in the 4th keeping the lead at double digits. The Clippers behind Averi Marshall, 12 points & 8 rebounds, would storm back cutting the deficit to just 5 points, 43-38 with 2 minutes to go. That would be as close as the Clippers would come as the Eagles would seal their fate closing out the victory at the free throw line. Alaina Johnston and Ellie Venezia contributed to the Columbiana rally posting 10 points each respectively.

The Clippers (4-4, 2-2) have a big test on Monday as they travel to Springfield. United (6-1, 5-0) will close out December with a tough non conference slate starting Monday as they host unbeaten rival Salem.

*Contributed by YSN’s Chris Sigler