BY GENE NARDI
The Seminole Ridge High School girls varsity basketball squad hosted rival Wellington High School on Thursday, Jan. 9, edging the Lady Wolverines 47-45.
Wellington jumped out to a six-point lead, shutting down Seminole Ridge for the first four minutes of play.
But the Lady Hawks’ Kate O’Hara put up a three-point basket to cut the Wolverine lead by three. Seconds later, the Hawks tied the game 6-6.
The Lady Hawks continued the pressure, taking an 8-6 lead. By the end of the first quarter, Seminole Ridge pulled ahead 15-9. The Lady Wolverines trailed for the remainder of the half.
Wellington attempted to battle back, coming within two points of the Lady Hawks. However, Seminole Ridge fought hard and maintained a 24-22 lead at the close of the first half.
The Lady Wolverines failed to capitalize on converting several free-throws into points to overtake Seminole Ridge.
The Lady Hawks led by as many as seven points through the second half, but Wellington continued to pressure and eventually tied the game 34-34 early in the fourth quarter.
Turnovers cost the Lady Wolverines in the fourth quarter when they missed a late opportunity. Down by one point with the Lady Hawks called for a traveling foul, Wellington had a chance. But a misplaced pass ended the chance for the come-from-behind win.
The Lady Hawks played well defensively, and clinched the victory 47-45.
O’Hara had a total of 24 points with four 3-point baskets for Seminole Ridge. Latoya Ashman put up 18 points for Wellington, including one 3-point basket.
ABOVE: Seminole Ridge’s Jessica Cody and Wellington’s Brianna Sabbat battle for possession of the ball.
