Girls hoops advances with 65-50 win over McNicholas

The girls basketball team scored a first round playoff victory with a 65-50 win over McNicholas Wednesday night at Withrow.  Don't be fooled by the final score though.  This was an exciting game that half way through the fourth quarter still could have gone either way.

Down the stretch a couple of clutch buckets by Michelle Jolson and Hailee Schlager, a defensive rebound and offensive rebound and put back by Jane Streeter, and two steals by Nikki McKee finally created some separation.  Nikki's solid free throw shooting (she was 12-13 on the night) then kept McNick at bay as they intentionally put us at the line.

Nikki, who won the regular season scoring title for the CHL with 19.5 points per game, poured in 32 points.  This is her high for the season, surpassing her 27 point efforts vs. Taylor and at Deer Park.  She had a double double on the night with 10, wait for it, STEALS.  Pretty sure I've not seen many double doubles like that.

Jane and Sudy Graham each contributed nine points as well.  Sudy led the team with nine rebounds.  Michelle Jolson contributed five assists and seven points.  The win moves the Cowboys to 17-3 on the season.

Hats off to Lauren Mazzaro of McNicholas.  She scored 24 points, directed McNick's offense unselfishly, and wasn't afraid to mix it up inside.

Thanks to Jeff King (scorer), the boys basketball team, and all the fans (e.g., Steve Dennis) that made the mad dash from the boys game at Mason to Withrow to support the girls.

Next up: vs. Finneytown, Saturday at Withrow at 3:30 p.m.  We're 2-0 vs. Finneytown this year (44-30 there, 56-41 at home).  Come on out to support the girls as they try to make it 3-0.  Finally, a girls' playoff game on the same day as Corral that doesn't conflict.

Photo gallery here.

Bracket