Highland (5-8, 4-5) picked up a 39-35 conference win over Marion Harding (2-10, 2-6) on Jan. 16, as the Lady Scots fended off a comeback attempt by the Presidents to secure the victory.
“Except for a stretch in the late third/early fourth quarter, we played our most complete game of the season,” said Coach Matt Bradley.
Highland took a 12-6 lead, with Reagan Maibech hitting a pair of threes and Aubree Bellamy scoring four points including a three. They outscored the Presidents 10-5 in the second quarter, led by Bryleigh Young’s eight points that included two threes.
The Patriots battled back in the second half to make things interesting. They outscored the Lady Scots 12-7 in the third quarter to make it a 29-23 game. Marion Harding tied the game at 29-29 after going off for 14 straight points, but Makaylee Merckling nailed a three to take the lead back. While the Patriots had an 11-10 fourth quarter advantage, Highland was able to hold on for the win.
Young had 10 points to lead all scorers. She was 4-for-9 shooting, including going 2-for-5 from three point land. Young also had three assists, a steal and a defensive board.
Makaylee Merckling had eight points, three assists, two boards and two steals. Maibech had seven points, six boards and a steal. Bellamy had seven points, five steals, a block and a rebound. Addison Mullins scored seven points to go with six rebounds and a steal.
“I thought we defended very well and made things difficult on Harding,” Coach Bradley said. “All seven of our girls that played were major factors. We had balanced scoring, but even more importantly was how connected we played at both ends. We are excited to get better tomorrow and to keep getting better.”
On Jan. 19 Shelby (10-4, 7-1) comes to town to face the Lady Scots in a conference matchup. Shelby is tied for Pleasant at the top of the Mid Ohio Athletic Conference standings. Tip off is at 7:15 p.m.
