SHELBY — With less than 40 seconds left in the game, the Madison and Sandusky girls basketball game got really interesting on Saturday morning.
The Rams inched ahead and hung on for dear life, surviving a couple of late Blue Streaks possessions to secure a 44-41 victory in the opener of the Richland Source NOL-OCC Challenge at Shelby High School.
With a minute left, Sandusky’s Erin Sherman ripped a 3-pointer to bring her team within a hoop of regaining the lead for the first time since the third quarter. But Madison’s Brooklyn Arnold immediately answered with what turned out to be the game-winning free throw.
After a missed layup by Sherman, Tara Andrews was sent to the line. She sank both shots to secure the Rams’ victory.
“Even though we have girls who are returning starters, we are still a young group,” Madison coach Brian Davis said. “We’re just learning how to win and close out games.
“It was great they were able to put (this) together.”
Sandusky coach Richard Koonce said he was proud of the effort his team displayed.
“Today was just one of those days where not everybody was on the same page,” he said. “We started out in the first quarter playing really well, got into the second quarter and then played really lackadaisical. Our girls really need to learn how to sell out.”
In the third and fourth quarters specifically, Koonce said he wanted his team to pressure the ballhandlers. That plan worked — until the Blue Streaks ran out of steam.
“We knew we had to pressure them and we were hoping it would be costly to them, and it was. But they got a little worn down. We only have eight players. I’d love to have 12.”
Davis said his girls won the game on the foul line. The Rams finished 14 for 22 at the stripe.
“We were 14 of 30 (free throws) at Lexington the other night, 10 points was the difference in that game. Today I just told them it is all about the mental toughness and the more they shoot, the better they’ll be at it.”
Davis called Arnold the inspirational leader of the squad.
“Brooklyn played great today. She is the heart and soul of our team. She’s a sophomore and she is getting better every day.”
Arnold registered 13 points. Mackenzie Mullins led the way with 15 points.
Events such as the The Richland Source NOL-OCC Challenge do not happen without tremendous partners. The NOL-OCC Challenge is presented by Mechanics Bank Be the Change scholarship program in partnership with The Holden Agency and Marco Photo Service. Supporting sponsors include Olive Garden, North Central State College, Rinehart Walters Danner Insurance, Prospering Life Events, Best Buy, TextLoyal, The Vault Wine Bar, The Ohio State University at Mansfield, and Lantz Star Graphics.
