MARENGO — History was made in more ways than one Friday night inside the walls of Highland High School.
A 66-31 victory over the Fighting Scots gave Shelby its 800th program win — only the 10th program in Ohio high school girls basketball history to reach this milestone, according to OHSAA girls basketball state records.
Friday’s win improved the Whippets’ all-time record to 800-342 over 51 seasons — the winningest girls basketball program in the history of Richland County.
“It’s special,” Shelby coach Natalie Lantz said. “When I was a little girl, I got to watch my aunt play on the very first interscholastic team and she was a great player.
“Getting to play for Shelby, being able to come back and coach — it’s a special community. It’s a very supportive community. I’m just thrilled to be any little part of it.”
The 35-point victory improved Shelby to 14-1 and 10-0 in the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference. Highland fell to 4-10 and 3-7 in conference play.
800th win ‘speaks volumes’
Eight hundred wins do not happen without a strong foundation.
Lantz, who is just the fourth coach in the program’s history, said Friday’s win exemplified the level of commitment the Whippets have maintained throughout their half-century history.
Her coach, Ellen Lawrence, who pioneered the Shelby girls basketball program, coached for 23 years from 1973 to 96. Lawrence is also a member of the 2025 Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame induction class.
“It speaks volumes of what the coaches and females went through to get Title IX approved so that we could have interscholastic sports,” Lantz said.
“We are committed to this program and we want it to continue to be successful. It takes kids like this coming through the program, that dedicate their time.
“They’re in the gym all the time and are good leaders. They value a family relationship where we trust each other and we work hard for each other on the court.”
SEE PHOTOS FROM FRIDAY’S GAME
Schwemley joins 1,000-point club
Not to be overlooked, Shelby senior Eve Schwemley became the program’s seventh 1,000-point scorer midway through the second quarter Friday night.
Schwemley led all scorers with 23 points and also added eight rebounds and two steals. Her career-points total now stands at 1,016 and counting.
“It’s really awesome,” she said. “I’ve put a lot of time in and now I can just keep working.”
The senior echoed Lantz in regards to the meaning of program win 800 and the close team bond which has allowed them to reach this point.
“It’s super awesome to be a part of and with this team,” Schwemley said. “We’re a huge family. We really love being here and love playing together.”
Chloe Mahek added 11 points, three rebounds and a steal Friday. Sophia Long netted nine points and Serena Ramsey contributed seven. Trinity Baker,
Trinity Baker, Natalie Kennard, Alyssa Booker, Lexi Mohn, Karlie Walp and Erica Winkle combined for 16 points. Charlie Niese tallied six assists.
(Below is a video of Shelby senior Eve Schwemley scoring her 1,000th career point with 6:07 remaining in the second quarter against Highland.)