BUCYRUS — Sophia Long would be the first to tell you she’s not known primarily for her offense.
The 5-foot-7 Shelby forward is a fierce and relentless defender, largely recognized for wreaking havoc upon opposing teams. But the senior knows how to find her way to the bucket when the ball comes her way.
On Wednesday, Long contributed an unofficial career-high 14 points in Shelby’s 62-34 rout of Clyde (11-13) in one of two Division IV district semifinal games at Bucyrus High School.
“It’s amazing to be that second scorer tonight,” Long said. “Hopefully other people step up on other nights, just like I did tonight.”
Long’s performance Wednesday was the perfect complement to fellow senior Eve Schwemley’s game-high 23 points. Schwemley was named this week as the District 6 Player of the Year in Division IV.
After a somewhat slow start in the first half, Long said the Whippets entered the third quarter with the mentality to attack the hoop — while also creating more shot opportunities for Schwemley.
This recipe proved successful for Shelby (22-2), outscoring the Fliers 20-10 in the third and 12-5 in the final eight minutes.
The stage is now set for a rematch between second-seeded Shelby and No. 1 Bellevue (23-1), who defeated Perkins 60-35 in the first game of Wednesday’s doubleheader.
Bellevue snapped Shelby’s 13-game win streak back in January with a 67-54 win. The former Northern Ohio League rivals will compete for a district title Saturday at 2 p.m. back at Bucyrus High School.
Long encouraged by teammates, coaches
After a few missed buckets Wednesday, it would’ve been easy for the senior to focus solely on swinging the ball.
But words of confidence from Long’s teammates and coaching staff made a difference, specifically messages from Amy Bogner, Shelby’s junior varsity coach.
“She (Bogner) gets on me,” Long said. “She really helps me with my confidence and especially shooting.”
Shelby coach Natalie Lantz has encouraged Long all season to believe in herself. She said when Long finds success offensively, it elevates the team to another level.
“She’s been getting better and better at looking for her shot and attacking the basket,” Lantz said. “It’s definitely something that makes us a little bit more dangerous.”
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Shelby ‘determined to do well’
Several additional Whippets have stepped up throughout the season, including seniors Serena Ramsey, Alyssa Booker and Charlie Niese, among others.
Ramsey scored 10 points Wednesday and Booker hit a three-pointer. Niese contributed three points, to go with four rebounds, two steals, nine assists and one block.
Lantz said her team’s commitment to winning this season is fierce.
Senior Lexi Mohn is the perfect example. Sidelined due to injuries, Mohn called her coach Tuesday night to explain how far she’d go to help her teammates — who have been battling illnesses the past few weeks.
“The kid (Mohn) is torn up and she’s like, ‘I’ll be in pain, but I can do it,'” Lantz said. “Just the willingness and desire of this team, they’re so determined to do well.
“I expect to see nothing less than leaving their hearts on the court on Saturday and I think if we do a good job, we have a chance for sure,” she said.
