Carroll wins Sectional For the second year in a row, Carroll Girls Basketball team has won the Sectional championship. Team members pictured are (l-r): Front - Abby Reinke. Middle - Sarah Griffin, Alisha Hedrick, Amber Hughes, Lucy Zook, Jess Yoder, Carly Yoder, Kate Hickner. Back - Coach Mike McCroskey, Manager Jessica McCain, Quinci Eller, Jill Griffin, Assistant Coach Jack Malson, Manager Susanna Taylor, and Manager Maria Lewis. Bill Stauffer photo Saturday evening at Delphi the Carroll Lady Cougars won their second consecutive and 9th overall, girls basketball sectional championship. Their championship victory, 52-36, was over a stubborn and inspired Clinton Central team.

En route to the title game, Carroll defeated Delphi 44-35 and then Fountain Central 60- 42 in the second semi-final game. Clinton Central defeated Seeger in the first semi-final game 49-45, to advance to the championship game.

The Lady Cougars move onto the Cass Regional this Saturday against Fort Wayne Bishop Luers in the second game set for 12 noon.

Second semi-final game

Friday evening, Fountain Central won the opening tip and the second quarter, but that was all. Carroll used their tenacious press and defense to separate from FC early. Carroll built an 11- point first quarter lead, 18-7. Four minutes into the game the Cougars led 13-2. Fountain Central struggled to keep up the rest of the way. A 13- 5 scoring advantage in the second quarter by FC narrowed the Carroll lead to 23- 20 at half.

The third and fourth quarters belonged to Carroll, outscoring FC 37-22 in the two quarters combined. Four Cougars scored in double figures for the first time this season. Eller had 19, Yoder added 15, Reinke, 11 and Amber Hughes chipped in 10, including a long 3-pointer to end the third quarter and give the momentum to the Cougars.

Championship game

Clinton Central entered the championship game with 5 players over 5'11" and some aggressive guards. From the beginning, their plan was to slow Quinci Eller by not leaving her alone.

Carroll built a first quarter lead at 18-14 by making open 3-point shots, rebounding and causing turnovers with their press. The Lady Cougars extended their lead in the second period with the same formula that has worked all season. They press and cause turnovers and then drive to the basket and make layups or kick the ball out for open three-pointers. Carroll led 30-23 at the halfway point.

Great team effort in this game made the difference for the Cougars. Everyone contributed in some way. Alisha Hedrick rebounded and handed out an assist, Lucy Zook had two steals, made a three-pointer in the second quarter and scored 5 points for the game. Amber Hughes rebounded, added a steal and four points. Sarah Griffin had 7 rebounds, 2 points and a steal. Carly Yoder rebounded and played great post defense. Kate Hickner and Jill Griffin cleaned up the final 2 minutes by causing turnovers and rebounding.

The second half was all Cougars. The Cougars outscored the Bulldogs 22-13 in the second half and posted a 52-36 victory. The trio of Quinci Eller, Abby Reinke and Jess Yoder put the finishing touch on this game by playing keep-away from the Bulldogs. Eller and Reinke lead the Cougars with 14 points each. Eller also picked-up 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and Reinke had 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals. J. Yoder added 11 points, four rebounds and 2 assists.

Support these ladies in their quest for a Regional championship!

Cass Regional

Sat., Feb. 21 Game 1 - Wabash (20-3) vs. Oak Hill (24-1). 10 a.m.

Game 2 - Carroll (16-7) vs. Fort Wayne Bishop Luers (16-6). 12 noon

Championship - Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2. 8 p.m.

Admission: $6 per session; $9 both sessions.