Avon gets best of North Ridgeville in shootout

For a team that doesn’t have a designed offense, Avon knows how to put the ball in the hoop.

In a Southwestern Conference shootout with North Ridgeville on Dec. 17, the Eagles posted their fourth 60-point game of the season with a 67-58 win.

“I thought we did a great job (on offense). Our goal is to not run an offense,” Avon’s coach Maggie Ferrando said. “With (North Ridgeville) pressing us, it was nice, because we like to get (the ball) up and over and get shots on (target). We are not about running

an offense. … We were feeling it, we hit some (shots), we shared the ball very well and everyone got involved.”

Molly Drenik’s doubledouble with 15 points and 11 rebounds paved the way for Avon. Her seven offensive rebounds set up second-chance points for herself and her teammates.

“I like being the rebounder. I like being rewarded when my teammates score. Rebounding to me is the most important part of the game,” Drenik said.

Avon’s Madigan O’Leary (11 points), Emilia Holbrook (11) and a host of Eagles’ teammates took advantage, too. Avon made eight 3-pointers.

Avon and North Ridgeville’s offense’s were at their best in the first quarter. Both teams traded baskets until Avon’s Emelia Holbrook (11 points) scored on a layup high off the glass to lead 24-21 at the buzzer.

Avon’s 24 points in the first quarter is a seasonhigh milestone for most first-quarter points.

“We have so many players that can plug in and we definitely share the ball well,” Ferrando said. “Any given girl can step up on any given night and we like to see a well-balanced scorebook. We want to show that we are a good team that can play 10 to 12 kids.”

The depth of Avon concerned North Ridgeville, who were shorthanded due to illness. The Rangers weren’t able to slow the game down.

“Anytime both teams score 60-70 points in a game, that is a fast-pace game. It is actually not what we wanted to do,” North Ridgeville coach Amy Esser said. “We wanted to slow the game down and not play fast-pace, because (Avon) is so deep… When we got into their system and played their pace and played their game, it took us out of ours.”

Rangers forward Grace Kingery impressed in the first half with 15 points, 23 total with eight rebounds and five assists.

(Kingery) hit shots in the game to keep it close and I thought (Avon) did a really good job guarding her,” Esser said. “I also thought that Grace was going to get her points. Whether it’s inside the paint or outside the paint, she is going to find ways to score.”

Rangers post Kat Krevda scored 13 points and Brook Lime contributed with nine points.

Avon won its fourth SWC game in a row for a 5-2 record, 4-1 in the conference. They’ve averaged 63.75 points per game since they lost to Midview.

Avon’s confidence was high following the win. The

Eagles know they will have to be at their best as they take on Olmsted Falls on Dec. 21.

“I am excited to see the confidence that we are building each and every game,” Ferrando said. “These girls lost to North Ridgeville a few times last year. It is nice to have a fresh start, with a new look and I don’t think we are backing down from anybody. … Now we have the cream of the crop next when we see Olmsted Falls. We celebrated and now it is time to get to work.”

North Ridgeville dropped to 3-4 (2-3 in SWC). The Rangers will play at home Strongsville on Dec. 19. The Mustangs were 2021-22 Division I district finalists.