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2nd-half surge lifts Xenia over Miamisburg

Wright State recruit Jessica Alexander delivers for the Buccaneers.

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By Dave Long, Contributing Writer 1:41 AM Thursday, January 28, 2010

XENIA — A renewed enthusiasm for the game by Jessica Alexander helped Xenia stay alive in the Greater Western Ohio Conference South Division first-place race Wednesday, Jan. 27.

Alexander had 17 points and seven steals as the host Buccaneers defeated Miamisburg, 53-41, in girls high school basketball.

The win pulls Xenia (11-4) even with the Burg (10-4) for second place in the GWOC South, both at 3-2. Fairborn leads at 4-1 after a 53-34 loss to Springboro (2-3) Wednesday. Xenia and Miamisburg have conference games left with Fairborn and Springboro.

Alexander had five steals in the third quarter when Xenia showed a 2-2-1 zone press for one of the few times this season. Miamisburg went on an 11-2 run at the end of the second quarter to take a 26-17 intermission lead. Xenia forced six straight turnovers at the beginning of the third quarter to spark a 12-0 run.

Alexander’s 3-pointer with 5:49 left in the third gave Xenia a 29-28 lead it would continue to expand.

“I think we surprised them,” said Alexander.

A 5-foot-9 senior, Alexander has not played up to expectations following a stellar junior year. Last season she averaged 16.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.9 steals earning the GWOC South player of the year honors. She played well enough in the summer to earn a scholarship from Wright State.

This season, however, she is averaging 12.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.1 assists.

“I was expecting so much from myself and when I didn’t play like I thought I should I got down on myself,” she said.

A good talk with Xenia coach Jonathan Snyder helped with an attitude adjustment.

“Tonight was the first time she had smiled during and after a game for a long time,” he said.

Chelsea LaPorte scored 16 points for the Burg but didn’t get a field goal in the second half.

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