LADY TIGERS ROLLING ALONG

by Bob Gish

Loveland Lady Tigers defeat Harrison on Senior Night
The Loveland Lady Tigers extended their winning streak to nine games defeating the visiting Harrison Lady Wildcats 63-49 on Saturday night, then made it ten in a row by beating Wyoming on Monday, 41-26.

Loveland traveled to Wyoming to meet the Cowboys on their home court. Wyoming was leading the Cincinnati Hills League with an 11-2 conference and 15-2 overall record. (Now 11-2, 15-3)

In a pre-game ceremony Saturday, Loveland High School Principal, Dr. Molly Moorhead, Assistant Principal, David Eads and Athletic Director/Assistant Principal, Mr. Jeff Zidron recognized Loveland senior players for their contribution to the girls basketball program. Loveland seniors, Marissa Boswell, Jen Elmore, Krystle Gish, Erin Henry and Elyse Wenger started the game for Loveland against Harrison.

Loveland established a first quarter lead 17-8. Harrison would take a couple of runs at Loveland in the second half narrowing the gap but never getting closer than three points. Loveland's
continuous defensive pressure put the game away in the fourth quarter. Officials called 24 first half personal fouls controlling the tempo of the game. Loveland out rebounded Harrison 51-25 and dominated the game with steals and second chance scoring.

Loveland: (16-2,  7-2 FAVC) Wenger 1-1-3, Boswell 2-2-7, Gish 5-0-10, Elmore 3-2-8, Henry 1-0-2, Voss 1-0-2, Iaciafano 3-4-12, McIver 4-2-10, Randall 2-0-4, Pohl 2-1-5, 3PFG (Boswell, Iaciafano 2)

Harrison: (7-11,  2-7 FAVC) Shrivner 5-0-11, Stanton 3-8-14 Brown 1-1-3, D. Brooks 4-4-13, Stenger 0-1-1, A. Brooks 1-0-2, Haynes 2-1-5, 3PFG (Shrivner, D. Brooks)


Two Conference Leading Opponents Next Up for Loveland
With Wyoming atop the Cincinnati Hills League, Loveland's last games of the regular scheduled season ended up being against two league leading opponents.

Loveland is undefeated on their home court this season and will end the regular season on Saturday, February 2nd at 2:30 PM against FAVC Buckeye Division League leading and city ranked Winton Woods. Winton Woods is sporting a perfect 9-0 league and 17-1 overall record. Winton Woods only loss of the season was to non-conference opponent Oak Hills. Winton Woods defeated Loveland 68-32 at Winton Woods in their first match-up and Loveland is looking for revenge on the Lady Tigers home court. The outcome of the final season game with Winton Woods will set the tone for the Lady Tigers entering tournament play. Loveland has a lock on second place in the FAVC Buckeye Division.

Tournament Game Scheduled for Loveland
The girls basketball tournament draw was held last week with Lakota West earning the top seed in the 34 team Division I field. Mount Notre Dame was picked the number two seed, Oak Hills the third seed and Winton Woods picked up the fourth seed. Wyoming picked up number one seed in Division II. Wyoming jumped over two teams that were ahead of them in the Cincinnati Area polls then lost to conference opponent Reading 47-35.

Loveland will be playing in the Lakota East Lower bracket. The lower bracket includes Game 1 matching Sycamore and Walnut Hills on Wednesday February 6th. Game 2 matches Anderson and  Loveland at 3:00 PM and game 3 Glen Este versus the game one winner at 5:00 PM The final game will be held on Thursday February 14th at 7:30 PM with Lower and Upper  Bracket winners meeting for the Sectional Championship.

Loveland split the regular season games losing at Anderson 48-58 and winning at home 49-34. The seasonal tie breaker against Anderson will be on a neutral court. Loveland will be entering tournament play with confidence and able to play with the best teams in the city.