The Chillicothe Lady Hornets basketball team entered Wednesdays semifinal game of the California Tournament needing a win against the host, Lady Pintos, in order to advance to the champion game.
The two teams with contrasting styles each wanted to establish their identity on the game early. California averages 62 points per game while Chillicothe allows just 34 per contest defensively. The Lady Pintos were determined to push in transition and pressure Chillicothe the length of the floor. The Lady Hornets had other ideas though, displaying patience offensively, and forcing California into tough shots, preventing California from setting up the press. The Lady Hornets held a tepid 10-8 advantage at the end of the first quarter.
Chillicothe’s defense was even better in the 2nd quarter limiting the Lady Pintos to 5 points in the frame. Chillicothe took a double digit lead, 24-13 into the break following Lyla Beetsma’s bucket in the lane at the buzzer, two of her 12 first half points, and a game high 17 for the Lady Hornets leading scorer on the season.
Chillicothe played a nearly perfect third quarter, involving Lydia Bonderer and Liz Oliver in the offense. Bonderer matched her season total on three pointers. Entering the contest the sophomore had 4 in 12 games, but was on fire tonight connecting twice in each the 2nd and 3rd quarter from long distance. Oliver took over in the 2nd half, with physicality and tenacity on both ends of the floor, the senior finished with 13 points.
Presley Rardon hit a three pointer from the wing as the 3rd quarter expired that put Chillicothe ahead 44-18. It was the Lady Hornets largest lead of the game, as the home team responded in the 4th quarter and finally began to impose their brand of basketball on the game after Chillicothe had controlled the first three quarters. The Lady Pintos forced turnover and knocked down some outside shots to trim the deficit down to 11. With the home crowd involved, Chillicothe’s poise was on display, closing out the game late to win 54-40. The 40 points was a season low for California.
Chillicothe in now 11-2 on the season and will play Tipton in the championship of the California Tournament on Saturday.
Chillicothe 10 24 44 54
California 8 13 18 40
Individual scoring:
Chillicothe – Beetsma 17, Oliver 13, Bonderer 12, Lexy Smith 5, Emerson Staton 4, Rardon 3
California – Kinsley Lawson 10, Peyton Dunham 8, Kierstyn Lawson 7, Emily Burger 6, Hailey Rademan 5, Winnie Wood 4
