MASSILLON — Buckeye Central’s quest to reach a second straight Division IV girls basketball Final Four fell just one step short on Saturday night.
The Buckettes dropped a 34-28 regional championship game duel to New Middletown Springfield at Massillon Perry High School.
Defense ruled the day for both teams in this Elite Eight encounter.
Springfield enjoyed a 9-5 first-quarter lead, but was limited to just two points in the second period. Still, the Tigers led 11-10 at the half, and maintained the edge with a 24-22 margin through three quarters.
Springfield outscored B.C. 10-6 in the final period for the victory.
The Tigers are now 24-3 and advance to a state semifinal game on Thursday at 6 p.m. at the University of Dayton. New Middletown Springfield will challenge Toledo Christian (22-4), which knocked off Columbus Grove 43-21 on Saturday.
Coach Abram Kaple’s club finished the season with a 23-4 record.
