The Gilman City Lady Hawks came up just short in their bid to knock off the number one team in the state in sectional action Tuesday night in Chillicothe as they fell to Meadville, 40-35.
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The Lady Hawks’ defense in the first half was as good as it could possibly be and on a night when Meadville was just a little off from the field, it allowed the Lady Hawks to take control of the game.
Meadville was befuddled by the Gilman City defense and was scoreless for the first 5 minutes and 20 seconds of the game. Meadville finally found the hoop, but only did so twice in the first quarter, allowing the Lady Hawks to take an 8-4 lead heading into the second frame.
Gilman’s defense continued to be the story of the game as it held Meadville to just two points over the first seven minutes of the second quarter. Unfortunately for the Lady Hawks, Meadville got two baskets in the final minute of the first half to give the Lady Eagles momentum going into the break. Things still looked good for the Lady Hawks, however, as they led 21-10 at halftime.
Trouble found the Lady Hawks in the third quarter. Kyla Payne picked up her third foul and was taken out of the game. While Payne sat on the bench, Meadville went on a 12-0 scoring run, taking its first lead of the game at the 1:35 mark of the third quarter, 29-27. The Lady Eagles went on to outscore Gilman City 21-8 in the third quarter and, heading into the final period of play, Gilman trailed 31-29.
The Lady Hawks were still alive, but just could not find ways to narrow the gap down the stretch. Meadville answered every defensive stand and basket the Lady Hawks could muster with one of its own.
When it was all said and done, the Lady Hawks had given the number one team in the state its toughest challenge of the season but it was not enough as they fell by five points.
Gilman City was led by Payne, who scored a team-high 15 points behind solid play in the post all game long. Monica Wilson also hit double figures with a buzzer-beating three that gave her 11 points on the night. Abbie Herrold (4), Taylor Whitney (3) and Danielle Myers (2) accounted for the rest of the Lady Hawks’ scoring.
Meadville was led by Kaci Sargent, who scored a game-high 19 points, 17 of which came in the second half.
The Lady Hawks were eliminated from post-season play with the loss, but finished the year with a final record of 25-3.
“I am very proud of the girls,” Gilman City Head Coach Tina Holt said. “They put together a 25-win season and that is the best record the seniors have had in their four years playing and the best record I have had in my four years coaching. I wish we could have gone farther, but the girls gave Meadville a great game and I am proud of them for that.”