“In that situation, one play can change the game,” said Greeneview coach Tim Hoelle. “I thought that was huge for us. We talked before the game about coming out and playing free, not thinking offensively and going hard on defense. Rachel is a perfect example right there, knocking that shot down. It gave our team a big boost the rest of the overtime.”
»RELATED: Thursday’s high school roundup
»RELATED: Thursday’s high school scoreboard
Greeneview senior Kenzie Harding had 13 points, while Sylvie Sonneman and Caitlin Sweat each added nine. Cedarville seniors Maggie Coe (12 points) and Kaylee Cyphers (10 points) led the way for the Indians.
The Indians led 19-11 after the first quarter, prompting the Rams to switch to a 2-3 zone — a strategy that worked in last year’s late season victory that clinched the OHC South Division title.
“To be honest, we go to it because they’re so hard to guard man-to-man,” Hoelle said. “We prefer to play man-to-man, but sometimes you’ve go with your gut.”
The Rams also caught fire from deep as Harding hit three 3-pointers and Sweat hit another to give Greeneview a 25-23 halftime lead.
Cedarville ended the third quarter on a 7-0 run to take a 32-30 lead after three quarters. The Indians held the lead until Sonneman hit three free throws to give the Rams a 37-36 lead. Freshman Ellie Snyder hit two more big free throws to put the Rams up 3 points.
With 25 seconds remaining, Cyphers nailed a 3-pointer from the right wing to send the game to OT.
“We had our backs against the wall and stepped up to send it to OT,” said Indians coach Josh Mason. “When you have a team and a group of girls who will fight to the end, I can leave this loss with my head held high. No one is going to leave here and say we’re not one of the best teams in the conference. Hats off to them because they are the best team in the conference. I look forward to our rematch.”
The game was a typical Greeneview-Cedarville matchup, Hoelle said. The two teams played in the final game of the regular season last year, which Greeneview won to take home its first OHC title in three years.
“I’m worn out, that’s for sure,” Hoelle said. “I know the kids are too because they played their butts off. Cedarville played their butts off. It’s a fun game to play in, two old rivals going into overtime.”
The victory gave the Rams (6-1, 5-0) an early season two-game cushion in the South Division over Cedarville (6-2, 3-2), Catholic Central (5-2, 3-2) and Greenon (2-4, 2-2).
The gym was packed for the rivalry game with early season title implications. It was a great atmosphere for girls basketball, Mason said.
“This would’ve been just another night for the boys, but not every night is like this,” he said.
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