It was a marquis matchup in the Division IV state semifinals between No. 7 Loudonville and No. 6 Waterford on March 14, and while the Redbirds made a late push and came within reach, the Wildcats came out on top 41-32 to head to the state finals.
Loudonville struggled shooting the ball throughout the night, going 2-for-19 from three and also only 10-for-36 from two. They did force 26 turnovers, but struggled to put points on the board in transition. Waterford also out-rebounded them 37-29 in the game.
This was a stark difference from the rest of the season for the Redbirds, as they shot 52% from two and 29% from deep. They were undefeated against Division IV opponents heading into the game, as well.
“We had a hard time making shots,” Coach Tyler Bates said. “Give Waterford a lot of credit for making it difficult to score the basketball. It was great to see us competing on defense, so that we gave ourselves a chance in the fourth quarter.
The Redbirds brought out their formidable starting lineup led by Ms. Basketball runner up Corri Vermilya; three first team All-MBC players in Mya Vermilya, Jena Guilliams and Sophia Spangler; and last week’s defensive star Alesha Felix. Felix was coming off a game where she held Jameka Brungard, the top Springfield scorer, to only four points. This was about 11 points under her average. This time she had the tough task of defending Avery Wagner.
After about two minutes of scoreless basketball to start the game, it was apparent once again that the defensive intensity was on high. Loudonville got on the board first on a pair of free throws by Spangler. She got an offensive board and was fouled on the put back attempt, and then drained both her shots.
Then Waterford went on a tear, going off for eight straight points with four points each for Avery Wagner and Kendall Sury. After a timeout, Corri Vermilya picked up her first bucket of the night at 1:39 left in the first. Spangler then followed with a basket to cut the lead to two. As time expired in the quarter, Sury scored her sixth point of the night on a baseline shot at the buzzer.
Sury picked up where she left off in the second quarter, draining a three 30 seconds into the frame. She then scored on an inside shot to make it 15-6 with 6:40 left in the half. A minute later Wagner drained an inside shot of her own to go up make it a 7-0 run to start the quarter for the Wildcats. At the end of the half it was 23-11 Waterford, as Loudonville went 0-for-7 from three and shot only 17% as a team. Waterford dominated the glass with 20 boards and also went 6-for-6 from the foul line.
It was clear that the Wildcats were going after Vermilya, and she was having to work for every shot. She was held to five points in the half, leading the Redbird offense.
It was all defense to start the first quarter, as neither team scored until Avery Smithberger made a free throw for the Wildcats at 4:21. Wagner then followed with a basket, and Elsie Malec hit a corner three to go up 29-11. The Redbirds were outscored 7-4 in the quarter, and heading into the fourth it was a 30-15 game.
The Redbirds needed to score early and often, and Spangler went right after it with an up and under play to make it 30-17. After Waterford put three more on the board, Loudonville then went on a 5-0 run, with Spangler hitting a basket and a foul shot, and Vermilya on an offensive put back. Suddenly it was a nine point game with 4:38 on the clock. Wagner scored on a cut inside, and then Vermilya got a rebound off her sister Mya’s shot, and put it up for a score.
With the score 39-26 with 2:17 on the clock, Jena Guilliams hit the first three of the night for Loudonville. With 1:50 left she hit another three, and it was a 39-32 game. Waterford called timeout, and it appear to work, as Smithberger came out and hit a quick layup. Corri Vermilya fouled out late in the game with 13 points. While it was a strong push at the end for the Redbirds, the Wildcats were able to hold on the final moments for the nine point win to head to the state finals.
“I felt like we played relatively hard throughout the game,” Bates said. “We just couldn't see the ball go in the hoop as much as we would have liked. I was pleased to see the girls turn their effort into some points off of turnovers in the second half.”
Sury led all scorers with 17 points and Wagner put up 12 points,
“She ended up with some impressive stats, but I thought that we did a nice job limiting Avery Wagner to 12 points, considering that she had a significant size advantage over our entire roster,” said Bates. “We did a poor job in the first half of keeping Kendall Sury out of the paint and that is what ended up hurting us the most defensively.”
Vermilya’s storybook career at Loudonville came to an end, and she now looks forward to playing ball at Ashland University. She had 13 points, 13 boards, five steals and two assists in the game. Vermilya ends her career ninth all-time on the state scoring list, with more than 2,000 points and also 1,000 rebounds. This year she was the Mid-Buckeye Conference Player of the Year and Ms. Basketball Ohio runner up.
“Corri had a tremendous career for us,” said Bates. “As staggering as her numbers and awards have been, you wouldn't be surprised if you saw how she worked day-to-day, month-to-month and year-to-year throughout her time in our program. She is going to help keep Ashland at a championship level.”
Sophia Spangler ended her career at Loudonville with an 11 point showing, including a big five point fourth quarter. Guilliams had her clutch threes in the closing frame, capping off what was an excellent senior season, as well.
“Our seniors were a motivated group, who led us to new heights,” Bates said. “They really ramped up in the post-season and kept our group focus and headed down the right path. I am so proud of them and I know that they are going to achieve great things in the future. Our entire team competed and our seniors - Corri, Jena and Sophia played inspired games. I was happy that they could have the opportunity to play at the Final Four in front of the entire state.”
Mya Vermilya may have been in her sister’s shadow, but the future is bright for this freshman. She was held to only a bucket in the game, but she has been consistently the team’s second scoring option all season. Watch for her to take the reins in her sophomore year with deep postseason experience and a first team All-MBC selection under her belt.
Coming back next season will be Sydney Strouse and Felix for their senior years, plus Addison Wolford who got solid team in her sophomore season, will only be more productive with experience. Sophie Lee will also be a senior next year, and there are some JV players who will be in the running for some playing time with open spots on the roster.
“There will be a lot of playing time available for the girls who commit to getting better and dedicating themselves to the program in the off-season,” said Bates. “It will be cool to see who helps write the next chapter for Loudonville Girls Basketball.”
