Local girls basketball competition heats up this weekend with North Central Conference play kicking off Friday night.
Defending NCC Black Division co-champions Wynford (3-1) travel to rival Riverdale (1-2) to open up NCC play. The Royals unblemished record ended at Mohawk Tuesday night, dropping a defensive battle, 37-31. Wynford's Paige Brady finished with 12 points and Ellie Richmond had eight points.
"I am disappointed because I think we had every opportunity to win this game, but our first league game is Friday at Riverdale and we've got to be ready for that," Wynford coach Amy Taylor-Sheldon said. "Every single one of our league games is going to be tough. We've got a great rivalry with Riverdale so we are going to regroup and be ready to play."
Colonel Crawford (3-2), the defending NCC Silver Division champions, travel to Buckeye Central (0-3). The Eagles defeated Seneca East Tuesday, 57-28, and were led in scoring by Nickyla Garverick with 19 points and Katie Siegel with 12 points.
The Buckettes fell to St. Peter's, 66-40, Tuesday, after leading 10-8 in the first quarter, but the Spartans closed with a 6-0 run to make it 14-10, taking a 27-20 halftime advantage. Emily Weithman led Buckeye Central with 11 points and four rebounds, while Kilee Kimmel had eight points and Sammi Marcum recorded three assists.
Defending NCC Black Division co-champions Bucyrus (1-2) host county rival Galion (2-1). The Redmen last played Saturday, falling to Colonel Crawford, 61-44. Bucyrus is doing its best to cope with an injury bug, and coach Greg Moore said his youthful squad continues to improve. The Tigers defeated Northmor Tuesday, 56-33.
Crestline picked up its first win last week, 42-32, over Marion Catholic and host Lucas (0-2) Friday. The Bulldogs, who lost all five starters to graduation, hope to get a win in the league column over the Cubs.
Only one NCC boys game is scheduled for this weekend. Bucyrus (1-1) travels to one of the NCC Black Division favorites, Ontario (2-0), Friday night. The Warriors are putting up big numbers early, scoring 79 points in their season opener and 77 points in a victory over Crestview Tuesday night.
After opening up the season with a win over Crestline Saturday, the Redmen fell to Mount Gilead Tuesday, 52-45. Coach Nate Hill was pleased with his team's rebounding and limited turnovers, only producing three, but said his players' shot selections need improvement.
"We have to learn what is a good shot and what is a bad shot," Hill said. "We only have three varsity players back from last year. That comes with experience."
Colonel Crawford (1-0) hosts Northmor (1-0) this evening and travels to Carey (1-0) Saturday. Other Saturday night games include: St. Peter's (0-1) at Buckeye Central (1-1), South Central at Crestline (0-1) and Wynford (1-0) at Shelby (2-0).
