Shoregals fall to Canton McKinley

Avon Lake ends season 22-4

NORWALK >> The Avon Lake girls basketball team rode into its Division I regional semifinal game at Norwalk High School against Canton McKinley on March 5 with confidence. But not even the highest amount of confidence could have stopped McKinley’s Kierstan Bell, who dropped a game-high 27 points to lead the Lady Pups to a 60-33 win. “She’s a nice player, no doubt about that,” Avon Lake coach Dave Zvara said. “We came out OK and we missed layups all night. And again, it was too much excitement but they tried hard.” Avon Lake trailed, 13-8, after the first quarter, but it could have easily led after missing three layups that could have changed the complexion. But in the end, No. 2-ranked McKinley was just too much, building a 36-24 halftime lead and blowing it open by more than 20 points in the third quarter. “Our heads are never down,” Zvara said.

The Shoregals end the season 22-4 and Canton McKinley (25-1) faces Toledo Notre Dame on March 9 in the regional final. Arianna Negron led Avon Lake with 10 points. “We knew Bell was all this and all that,” Negron said. “We couldn’t let that get to our heads. So we just stayed on her and kept our intensity. We were only down 12 points at the half and felt we were only down one. We still felt in the game.” The loss doesn’t diminish a banner season for the Shoregals, who pulled a district championship win over the No. 1-seeded Olmsted Falls Bulldogs. Instead, it’s a season that will be remembered forever. “This is definitely the best I’ve had in my four years,” senior Amber Achladis said. “Not just because of our record, but because our team got along so well and there was never any drama. Our coach made it so fun. Mainly I will remember how much fun I had with my teammates.” The Shoregals’ four seniors of Achladis, Kelsey Simmerly, Elizabeth Murdock and Allie Heschel will remain appreciated by coach Zvara. “Before the game, I told them they put Shoregal basketball on a different level,” Zvara added. “They are fantastic girls on and off the floor. I hate to see them go.”

JEN FORBUS — FOR THE MORNING JOURNAL Avon Lake’s Amber Achladis throws up a shot over the entire Canton McKinley defense on March 5.

JEN FORBUS — FOR THE MORNING JOURNAL Avon Lake coach Dave Zvara consults with his squad during a time out on the court on March 5.