Hamilton Heights cruised into the Class 3A Sectional 24 championship game on Friday, beating host New Castle 73-24.
The No. 7-ranked Huskies led 15-8 after the first quarter and 33-15 at halftime. Heights then dominated the second half, outscoring the Trojans 40-9.
“Checked the second box tonight,” said Heights coach Keegan Cherry. “Really proud of our effort. We did a nice job of moving the basketball and as a result, had balanced scoring. These types of games can be difficult for teams to maintain focus mentally, but overall I thought we played to our standard for several stretches – especially in the second half. Our guard play was able to disrupt and turn them over which led to some run out baskets and broke the game open.”
Ella Hickok and Jillian Osswald both scored 16 points for the Huskies. Hickok went 5-of-5 from the free-throw line, while Osswald made three 3-pointers. Camryn Runner threw in two 3s on her way to 15 points, while MyKayla Moran scored nine points.
“Ella Hicock had a fantastic game,” said Cherry. “Did a nice job of seeing the floor and was able to finish at the basket and took advantage of opportunities when she had them.”
Heights is 17-1 for the season and plays Jay County at 7:30 p.m. tonight for the sectional championship.
“Tomorrow will be a monumental challenge,” said Cherry. “Jay County recently beat Norwell who is 20-5 and ranked No. 6 in the ICGSA poll. They have size and can make the 3. We will need a special effort. They are a great team and well coached.”
HAMILTON HEIGHTS 73, NEW CASTLE 24
Heights FG FT TP PF
Ella Hickok 5 5-5 16 2
Jillian Osswald 6 1-2 16 2
Camryn Runner 6 1-1 15 3
Sydney Runyan 2 1-2 5 2
MyKayla Moran 4 1-2 9 0
Kaylee Rhoton 1 1-2 3 0
Hadleigh Cherry 1 0-2 3 1
Cassidy Felger 1 0-1 2 0
Alayna Baber 0 0-1 0 2
Kylie Schakel 1 0-0 2 0
Ella Ewing 1 0-0 2 0
Jocelyn Wolfgang 0 0-0 0 0
Totals 28 10-18 73 12
Score by Quarters
Heights 15 18 23 17 – 73
New Castle 8 7 7 2 – 24
Heights 3-point shooting (7) Osswald 3, Runner 2, Hickok 1, Cherry 1.