MANSFIELD, Ohio – The girls basketball season starts a week early this year, which means Friday night’s MCS Subway Preview took on a bit of urgency.
Eight teams, including three Richland County squads, were in action at Mansfield Christian High School for perhaps a final tuneup before the schedule begins in earnest next Friday night.
“It’s such an early start to the season, we’re going to have to get in a little bit better condition,” said Crestview coach Aaron Goon. “I don’t think we made a shot in the last four minutes.”
Still, the Cougars held off Clear Fork 24-21 in two quarters of action.
Mansfield Christian, the host school, tipped off the event, dominating Black River 27-7 in their half of action.
Senior post Addie Daugherty collected 11 points while junior point guard Allie Maiyer added eight.
“I thought we did all right for the start of the season,” Flames’ coach J.R. Wilson said. “This was a fun atmosphere for the girls, but I think we had some jitters in the first quarter.
“I expect us to be competitive in the conference this year.”
The Mansfield Christian coach pointed to Danville and St. Peter’s as the favorites in the Mid-Buckeye Conference. But he expects his team to make its mark, too. The Flames’ travel to Crestline on Friday.
One of the county’s top returning stars is Crestview senior guard Renee Stimpert. Just seconds after the opening tip to her game, the veteran gunner grabbed control of the ball, took a couple of quick dribbles and drilled a trey. For the night she pumped in 12 points in just two quarters.
Clear Fork sophomore guard Macy Wade had nine points to help the Colts stage a furious rally after trailing 12-5 through the first eight minutes.
“Our goal is to win the (Firelands) conference this year,” Goon said of his Cougars.
Mount Vernon edged Ashland 18-15 in one half-game, while Fredericktown battled Mapleton in the nightcap.
The event was played before a strong crowd, and included a 3-point shootout (won by Crestview) and a series of raffles.
“This is the second year we’ve done this,” Mansfield Christian athletics director Steve Armstrong said. “Coach Wilson does a great job. He draws from Division I, II, III and IV. He even puts the program together.”
