Overview of the Classic in the Country

The 23rd annual Classic in the Country, a premier event in Ohio high school girls basketball, kicked off on Saturday at Berlin Hiland High School. This prestigious tournament featured eight games on the first day, with six more scheduled for Sunday and another eight on Monday. The event is known for showcasing some of the top teams and players in the state, offering fans an exciting weekend of competition.

Game Highlights from Saturday

Wadsworth vs. Carrollton

Wadsworth dominated the game against Carrollton with a final score of 63-26. A key factor in their victory was a 24-3 run between the first and second quarters, which gave them a 30-9 lead. The Grizzlies forced 29 turnovers, converting them into 36 points. Senior Lauren Decker led the team with 16 points, seven assists, seven steals, and six rebounds. Sophomore Julia Maddox and freshman Tenley Mendel each added 10 points. For Carrollton, Emma Shafer scored a team-high 10 points, while Kylie Ulcich grabbed 12 rebounds.

Toledo Start vs. Medina

Toledo Start came back from a slow start to defeat Medina 51-42. Medina led 17-9 after the first quarter, but Start responded with an 18-4 second-quarter run to take a six-point lead at halftime. After Medina briefly took the lead in the third quarter, Start staged a 15-5 run to secure the win. Jade Latson and Ava Pietras were instrumental, scoring 18 and 15 points respectively. Pietras hit all four of her field goals from beyond the arc. Medina was led by Abby Dress with 14 points, while Vivian Kelps and Addy Shook each contributed 11 points.

Dublin Coffman vs. Toledo Notre Dame Academy

Dublin Coffman defeated Toledo Notre Dame Academy 51-26. The Shamrocks trailed 10-9 after the first quarter but exploded for a 19-2 second-quarter run to take control. Their defense was dominant, holding NDA to just 21.3% shooting from the field. Riley Blankenship led the team with a double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Kylie Mast added 17 points. Kallie Thames and Brooklyn Armstead each scored 13 points for the Eagles, with Thames grabbing nine rebounds.

Magnificat vs. West Branch

Magnificat narrowly beat West Branch 30-21 in a low-scoring game. Both teams struggled offensively, with Magnificat making just 9-of-40 shots (22.5%) and West Branch hitting 8-of-33 (24.2%). Gemma Wichmann led Magnificat with nine points and eight rebounds, while Izzy Wilson and Elise Laoporte added eight and seven points respectively. Hallie Vie Burton was the top scorer for West Branch with 10 points.

Bellbrook vs. Fairland

Bellbrook dominated Fairland 48-31, with sophomore Libby Bunsold leading the way. She scored 20 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and dished out five assists. Lauren Fabrick added 14 points, and Emmie Sears contributed nine. Fairland’s Morgan Elkins led her team with nine points.

Springboro vs. Archbishop Hoban

Springboro secured a 41-28 win over Archbishop Hoban. A 22-10 run spanning the second and third quarters was the difference. McKenzie Jones, a University of Tulsa signee, led the Panthers with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Amariya Davis scored 10 points for the Knights. This game marked the first without Niera “Zig” Stevens, who was injured earlier in the week.

Mount Notre Dame vs. Berea-Midpark

Mount Notre Dame remained undefeated with a 66-50 victory over Berea-Midpark. The Cougars overcame an early 18-14 deficit with a 17-1 run to take control. Mia Vieth led the team with 27 points, while FReece Hacnkey recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Regan Braaten led Berea-Midpark with 24 points, including four 3-pointers.

Bellevue vs. Hiland

The final game of the day saw Bellevue edge Hiland 46-39. Hiland started strong, leading 15-6 after the first quarter, but Bellevue rallied to take a 23-21 lead at halftime. The game was tied 35-35 entering the fourth quarter, and Bellevue pulled away with an 8-0 run. Ellie Freitag led Bellevue with 13 points, while Kaitlyn Turinsky added 12. Perryn Mishler scored 14 points for Hiland, and Reagan Zerger added 13.