Bexley makes statement, tops top-seeded Granville
It’s not often a team with just three losses considers itself a big underdog, but that’s the feeling Bexley’s girls took into Tuesday’s game with once-beaten Granville.
Granville is the top-seeded Division II team in the Central District for the upcoming tournament and a two-time defending district champion, while the Lions are a third seed.
But Bexley (18-3) took it to heart on its home floor, using physical, aggressive defense and patient offense to top Granville 48-28, forcing 22 turnovers by the Blue Aces (19-2) and holding them to just 8-of-32 shooting.
“It was exciting. We jelled well and everyone executed,” said Sydnie Smith, niece of Ohio State great Katie Smith and one of four senior starters for the Lions. “Yes, I would say we made a statement.”
Smith led the scoring with 15 points. Madison Ingram added 11 points and Sofia Sheridan 8 for Bexley, which scored mostly around the basket and finished 16 of 29 from the field for 55%.
Ava Gossman scored 9 points for Granville and star player Harper Annarino
was limited to 8 points and six rebounds.
“A lot of credit to Bexley. They’re physical and their coach did a great job,” Granville coach Tate Moore said. “Smith is physical and a great athlete, and they were able to roll out multiple physical, athletic players. They out-physicaled us in just about every category. They punched us in the mouth early, and we didn’t respond.”
Moore said perhaps the Lions put more emphasis on the game than the Blue Aces.
“This was clearly a big game for them,” he said. “They had the band, the students and the energy. We have to use this as a wakeup call, and we have to wake up quickly.”