The Loudonville Redbirds (12-0, 3-0) continues to play top tier basketball, and on Jan. 3 they beat Clear Fork (9-3, 5-1) 64-40 in what was a huge test in a home non-conference matchup.
Once again the entire team played well and found ways to chip in, and Corri Vermilya was the top player with 32 points, nine rebounds, eight steals and three assists. She joined elite company as the newest member of the 2,000 point club, as well.
Loudonville was cruising from the get go, jumping out to a 10-0 start. The Colts woke up and scored four straight points, highlighted by a Brinley Barnett three making it 10-4. It was a 13-4 lead for the Redbirds at the end of one quarter. Vermilya had 10 points including a pair of three pointers.
The Redbirds dominated the second quarter 20-4 to make it a 33-8 game at halftime, with Sophia Spangler scoring five points in the second. Vermilya finished the half with 14 points to lead all scorers.
The scoring never let up in the third quarter, with Loudonville putting 25 on the board. Clear Fork’s offense kept the pace with 23 points, and it was a 58-31 lead going into the fourth quarter. Clear Fork outscored the Redbirds 9-6 in the fourth, but Loudonville already had control of the game and walked away with the solid home win.
“This was a nice win for us, as Clear Fork defeated us the past two years and entered this contest with a 9-2 record against a very tough schedule,” said Coach Tyler Bates.
Spangler scored nine points and dished out three assists. Mya Vermilya had six points and four boards. Jena Guilliams scored six points and Alesha Felix scored six points while grabbing seven rebounds.
“Clear Fork is a well coached team that plays extremely hard defensively,” said Coach Bates. “Our girls were really locked in tonight. This was a good win for us.”
Loudonville shot 49% and 41% from three. They had an 18-5 steal advantage and had the game’s only block. Clear Fork led 24-22 in boards and both teams had six assists.
Next up is the Crestline Bulldogs (3-5, 1-1) on Jan. 6 at 11:30 a.m.
There has been a change in the schedule for the Redbirds, as well. Originally they were scheduled to travel to Mansfield Christian on Jan. 20 and Colonel Crawford was scheduled to go to Monroeville on Feb. 6.
Instead, the athletic directors agreed to flip opponents and Loudonville will travel to Colonel Crawford on Jan. 31. Mansfield Christian will travel to Monroeville Feb. 6. This was to create two competitive games as they get ready for tournament play.
"I know, personally, we are excited to travel to Crawford," Coach Bates said. "Obviously at 11-0, they are having an outstanding year."
