High school girls basketball tournament capsules

By John Kampf JKampf@news-herald.com

(5) PERRY VS. (3) MARLINGTON

What: Division II district final

When: 1 p.m., Feb. 25 Where: Nordonia, 8006 S. Bedford Road, Macedonia Records: Perry 20-5, Marlington 23-2

Perry’s path: Defeated Crestwood, 48-27, def. Aurora, 49-44, def. Streetboro, 45-43 Marlington’s path: Defeated Youngstown Chaney, 67-15, def. Girard, 61-13, def. West Geauga, 49-47 (OT)

On deck: The winner will play the winner of Laurel and Columbiana Crestview in a Barberton Regional semifinal at 6 p.m. on March 3

For the record: The Pirates and Dukes were part of semifinal games that went down to the wire, Perry getting a late free throw from Izzy McKoon to cement a 45-43 win over Streetsboro and Marlington getting a layup with 2.5 seconds left in overtime from Elizabeth Mason for a 49-47win over West Geauga. … Both teams are strong defensively. Perry will be at a height disadvantage, as usual. But the Pirates make up for lack of height with ferocity on defense and solid help defense. Grace McKoon leads the team at 18.0 points per game, the only Pirate averaging double figures. … Mason had 27 in a win over Girard. She’ll be a focal point of Perry’s defense, as will Mara Warner and Chelsea Evanich, who had 14 and 13, respectively, against West Geauga.

Perry

Kampf’s pick: (4) CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN VS. (1) NEW MIDDLETOWN SPRINGFIELD

What: Division IV district final

When: 7 p.m., Feb. 25 Where: Grand Valley, 111 Grand Valley Ave. West, Orwell

Records: Cornerstone 18-7, New Middletown Springfield 23-2 Cornerstone’s path: Defeated Lordstown, 57-16, def. Heartland Christian, 61-24, def. Mineral Ridge, 45-43

New Middletown Springfield’s path:

Def. AOA 58-26, def. Salinesville Southern, 35-31

On deck: Winner will play the winner of Richmond Heights and Dalton in a Massillon Perry Regional semifinal at 6 p.m. on March 2

For the record: Springfield’s only losses this year are to West Branch and Garrettsville. Cornerstone has won seven in a row since a loss to Division II Beaumont. … In the semifinal win over Mineral Ridge, Cornerstone had balanced scoring with nine each from Lovey Walker and Mylia Bell to lead the way. The Patriots led, 28-20, at halftime before the Rams pecked away at the lead in the second half. Coach Lisa Stopp’s team will look to rely on its pressure defense to force Springfield into turnovers and transition points. … Springfield is led by senior Jacey McMullen (17.1 points, 11.2 rebounds) and sophomore Jameka Brungard (9.3 points, 7.2 rebounds). Both are tall and physical presences in the paint that could give the shorter Patriots trouble. Kampf’s pick: New Middletown Springfield

(1) RICHMOND HEIGHTS VS. (3) DALTON

When: 1 p.m., March 25 Where: Norwayne, 350S. Main St., Creston Records: Richmond Heights 21-3, Dalton 8-14 Richmond Heights’ path: Defeated St. Thomas Aquinas, 64-23, def. Mogadore, 57-41

Dalton’s path: Defeated Oberlin, 52-9, def. Elyria Open Door, 71-15, def. Waterloo, 43-31

On deck: Winner will play the winner of Cornerstone Christian and New Middletown Springfield in a Massillon Perry Regional semifinal at 6 p.m. on March 2

For the record: Dalton comes in with an unimpressive 8-14 record, but don’t be fooled. The Bulldogs play in a tough league and are tested nightly. Dalton trailed by 11against Waterloo in the semifinal round but rallied to win. Richmond Heights, on the other hand, overcame a 10-10 game early and won going away against Mogadore. … Sarah Witmer made three key shots down the stretch to spark her team, while Kylee Johnson and Maddy West had 12 and 7 respectively, showing proficiency from behind the arc. … Honor Hall had 17 and Ashia Johnson 14 in the win over Mogadore. Nisey Darden was held to five points, but led the team in scoring throughout the season. Richmond Heights will have a height advantage with Hall and Darden both at 6-feet. The Spartans’ defense, athleticism and height give them an advantage on most nights.

Kampf’s pick: Richmond Heights