ARCHBOLD WEATHER

Birds Fall To Patriots In District Semifinal





Katie Weber (10), who is 5-foot-9, and 5-2 Brady Avina (partially hidden) apply full-court pressure on Patrick Henry's 6-0 Jenna Badenhop as the Patriot tries to bring the ball up the court in the fourth quarter. Also in the photo are Blackbirds Alexa Short (22), Erica King (32), and Haley Nofziger (30).-  photo by Mary Huber

Katie Weber (10), who is 5-foot-9, and 5-2 Brady Avina (partially hidden) apply full-court pressure on Patrick Henry’s 6-0 Jenna Badenhop as the Patriot tries to bring the ball up the court in the fourth quarter. Also in the photo are Blackbirds Alexa Short (22), Erica King (32), and Haley Nofziger (30).- photo by Mary Huber

Patrick Henry used a 14-6 second period to defeat topseeded Pettisville 43-31, Thursday, March 5, in a Division IV district semifinal at Archbold.

Tied at 7 after one period, the Patriots exploded in the second period for a 21-13 halftime lead.

Neither team had a good third quarter, as PH scored only four points and Pettisville, three. The Patriots led 25-16 entering the final eight minutes.

Pettisville started to claw its way back in the fourth, coming within one, 25-24, on an Erica King steal and bucket with 5:12 remaining.

But a traditional three-point conversion by Tiffany Ehlers put PH back up by four, 28-24.

Pettisville again tried to change the momentum as the Birds clawed their way to a tie at 31 with 3:26 left. Haley Nofziger fought her way through the middle for the tying bucket.

The Birds just couldn’t get over the hump, though. PH hit 10-11 free throws down the stretch and outscored the Birds 12-0 in the final three minutes for the 43-31 final.

“We needed to play the whole game as aggressive as we played the last quarter and a half,” said Jason Waldvogel, PHS head coach.

“I’m extremely proud of this team. Our seniors, Katie Weber, Alexa Short, Haley Nofziger, and Brittany Weber, have made an impact on our program, and will be missed.”

Nofziger was the only Blackbird in double figures, with 15 points, as Pettisville was 11-39 from the field for an ice-cold 28% and 7-14 from the foul line for 50%.

Ehlers led PHHS with 13. The Pats were 12-34 from the field for 35% and 15-19 at the line for 79%.

The rebounding battle was fairly even, with PH grabbing 24 and the Birds, 22.

Pettisville ended its season with an 18-5 record.

In the district final on Saturday, March 7, Kalida (17-7) beat the Patriots (12-12) 47-28 to win the title.

BOX SCORE

PETTISVILLE (31) – Beck 4, Short 6, Nofziger 15, King 6. Totals 11-7-31.

PATRICK HENRY (43) – Seeman 11, Ehlers 13, Nickels 1, Hoffman 3, McGraw 10, Badenhop 5. Totals 12-15- 43.

PHS 7 6 3 15 – 31
PHHS 7 14 4 18 – 43


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