Harrison, Ohio – The Loveland High School Women’s Basketball Team ended their season in the 3rd round of the Ohio Basketball Tournament with a loss to the #1 team in Ohio. The game on Tuesday afternoon was played at Harrison High School. The score was Mason 49, Loveland 22. Josie Early led the Tiger scoring with 8 and Olivia Raby scored 5. Grace Dressell scored 4.
The Tigers (11-5, 17-8) finished in 3rd place in the ECC.
Conference leader West Clermont went into their tournament game on Monday and saw their 24 and-no-loss season disappear. The Kings Knights (13-1, 21-5), # 2 in the ECC beat the Wolves 49-43. Kings continued their tourney journey by beatingt Centerville today 61-53.
Meanwhile, the Tiger Men’s team lost their entry game in the State Tournament on Tuesday 73-47 against Princeton.
No 8 seed Loveland advanced in the State tournament Wednesday night in a game played at Lakota East High School by defeating #16 seed Oak Hills. Josie Early led all scorers in the 48-34 contest with 16 points. She was 7 for 9 from the charity stripe. Charity is a misnomer when it comes to Early. She more than earns those trips to the foul line almost never seeing a clear way to the rim as defenses double-team and collapse on her trips inside the circle. The Senior 5’7″ guard pulled down 5 rebounds and stole the ball from the Highlanders 4 times.
Ten of Olivia Rabe’s 14 points were a result of her perfect 10-10 night at the foul line. Rabe is a 6’2″ Senior.
Senior Forward Olivia Rabe also earns each of her trips to the foul line. She was 10 for 10 against Oak hills.
Mason (15-1, 23-1) advanced after beating Anderson 60-27 on February 5 and this past Wednesday evening by beating Northwest 67-8. Mason’s only loss was on December 7th when they traveled to Lakota East, 52-48. The Comets are on a 17-game win streak. Mason won the GMC conference title. Mason’s top scorer is Sophmore guard #20, Madison Parrish who scored 28 in Mason’s 63-62 win at Princeton on January 11. She averages 13.3 points.
The Tigers are 11-5, 17-5 for the season, and finished ECC competition # 3.
The Tiger vs Comets game is on Tuesday, February 21 at 5 PM and will be played at Harrison High School.
CORRECTION: The game against Kings Thursday, January 26 is at Kings High School.
Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Women (10-3, 14-4) climbed into second place in the ECC after their Senior Night victory over Anderson Monday, 47-34.
Behind the Tigers is Kings (10-3, 13-5). The Tigers beat Kings 46-45 in overtime on December 12 and the rivalry rekindles this Thursday when the Knights come to Loveland for a showdown at 7:30 PM. (CORRECTION: The game against Kings Thursday, January 26 is at Kings High School.)
Loveland is on a 7-game win streak. They beat Lebanon on the road 38-33 last Thursday and defeated Indian Hills in the Braves’ gym 46-30 last Wednesday.
Katy Wilber
Loveland’s Freshman Katy Wilber drained five threes in the first half at Indian Hill and finished with two more in the second to lead all scorers with 21. Olivia Raby scored 11.
Josie Early led all scorers in her Senior Night performance with 15, she pulled down 6 rebounds and collected 5 steals.
The Tigers have a non-conference home game at 2 PM this Saturday against Springboro and travel to West Clermont on Monday, January 30. Undefeated West Clermont (13-19, 19-0) stands in the Tiger’s way of winning the conference. The Wolves are rated the #4 team in Ohio. The Tigers came within 6 of beating West Clermont on December 15. It was one of West Clermont’s closest games.
Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland High School Women’s and Men’s varsity basketball teams are into their 2nd and 3rd weeks of their season.
The Women are currently 3-2 (3-1) and host Winton Woods 5-1 (3-1) tonight at 7:30 in their Chuck Schmidt Gymnasium. Josie Early is the Tiger’s leading scorer averaging 10.4 points/game followed by Olivia Raby with a 9.6 average. The women are fresh off three last-minute victories – Kings in overtime 47-46, West Clermont 33-30, and last Saturday, Walnut Hills 39-36.
The Men 3-1 (1-1) traveled to Kings last night and brought home a 68-60 victory provided by the hot 3-pt shooting of Jack Sauer who shot 6 for 7 from behind the arc, and Ben Kirlin who was 4 for 7. Sauer finished with 19, followed by Dylan Schwinn with 18, and Kirlin with 15. They play next this Friday at home against West Clermont 0-1 (0-1).
Cassie Mattia is the Associate Editor of Loveland Magazine and lives in Historic Downtown LovelandCan’t imagine a Countdown without the Kid, Our Capt @tessbroermann AKA T-Wip! Tess has been my Coach on the floor for 3 yrs & now as a Sr she is the undisputed engine & leader of our program! Proud of you is an understatement! Let’s run it back one last time kid #OurWay – Coach Parker
Loveland, Ohio – It’s that time of year again that gives many, including myself, an endless amount of joy! You maybe asking yourself, “Well what is so significant about this time of year?” IT’S BASKETBALL SEASON BABY! Of course the single phrase has to be said in a Dick Vitale voice!
Basketball teams all across Ohio are preparing for what should be a very interesting season in light of COVID-19. The L.H.S Women’s Basketball team has not been letting the pandemic slow them down as they have been safely practicing hard in preparation for the first game that will be held on November 24th at the Tiger’s home gym against Lakota East at 7:30 P.M.
Coach Darnell Parker and Assistant Coach Keith (Breezy) Braswell celebrating the ECC Championship in 2020
L.H.S’s Women’s Basketball team is coming off of a historical 2019-2020 season, grabbing their first league title, sectional title, and an outstanding overall record of 22-4. Although they have lost some unbelievable female athletes such as the Tiger’s top performer, Jillian Hayes who will begin her career as Cincinnati Bearcat this year, Head Coach Darnell Parker says that he has two incredible leaders returning in Seniors Jenna Batsch and Tess Broermann that are sure to give the team that fire they need to succeed this year!
So without further ado, here is the 2020-2021 Loveland High School Women’s Basketball Season Preview!
The following graphics and photos provided by team photographer, Gayle Rothmeeler.
Tiger Nation let me introduce you to Our @ViviClayton AKA ViVi! Vivi is a team-first guard willing to do whatever her team needs! Greatness is already in your DNA kid, go ahead and put it on display for all to witness! Orange and Black looks good on you Viv!#OurWay – Coach Parker
Cassie – What have you and the Tigers been doing in preparation for this season?
Coach Parker – Preparation for this season started over the summer with our team lifting and conditioning sessions, as well as our super popular 6 A.M, Breakfast Club workouts. This is a great time for our kids as we start forming bonds and shaping the identity of this year’s team!
She had her coming out party against the number 1 team in the state last year and Our Miss @EarlyJosie is hungry for more! Ultra competitive guard with a knack for slicing through defenses! Remember the name folks, get your ready! #OurWay – Coach Parker
Cassie – What effect has COVID-19 had on your preparation?
Coach Parker – Keeping our Student-Athletes safe is our top priority. Each player, coach, and member of our program is diligent in following the guidelines set by our District and the OHSAA. Our kids have done a great job adjusting and it hasn’t affected our preparation too much.
No better place to start than with the Captain @JennaBatsch aka STRETCH! Don’t let the smoothness fool you, the Kent St commit is an absolute BEAST on the court! It’s her time to shine bright! #OurWay – Coach Parker
Cassie – Who are some of the players that are returning? Any starters? Who do you expect to be a captain or “leader” for the other ladies to look up to this year.
Coach Parker – SR-Jenna Batsch(Kent State Commit, Second leading scorer last year 11ppg)-Captain, SR-Tess Broermann(4-year starter 6.3ppg last season)-Captain, SO-Olivia Raby(Lead the team in FG% 52% 3.5ppg), SO-Josie Early(3ppg, Strong tournament run last season), Jr-Nia Kemper(PG Transfer from Wyoming 14ppg, Excellent shooter and defender), Jr-Vivian Clayton(G Transfer from Sycamore 8ppg, Great Defender and strong guard attacking the basket).
Next up it’s Our Miss @ellanagel_AKA Shirley(another inside joke)! A summer spent grinding and getting better, and the Jr is ready to Soar! You have the green light to be great kid! All gas no brakes!! #OurWay – Coach Parker
Cassie – Any big games you and the team are looking forward to?
Coach Parker – We always enjoy the matchups with Walnut Hills and West Clermont. They have been the Gold standards in the league for a lot of years. This year we add three new teams in Little Miami, Lebanon, and Winton Woods. Starting new rivalries with these schools will be fun!
LIV!!!!! Big sis may be gone but the Raby legacy continues! Our @Olivia_Raby_ established herself as a big-time rim protector last season and this Summer added to her offensive game! Don’t take my word for it though, just enjoy the show #OurWay – Coach Parker
Cassie – What will be some of your primary focuses or things you would like to improve on from last season this year?
Coach Parker – This season we will really focus on sharing the basketball and attacking opposing defenses from a lot of angles. We have 6-7 girls that could get double digits points on any given night and as a coach that is very exciting! Defensively our pressure is going to be suffocating and we are going to be able to pressure teams for 32 minutes or more if necessary!
I call her Laverne(inside joke) but Our @Yeager_Rachel15 is coming off of a solid Summer and ready to make her mark! You won’t find many who work as hard as Yeags, and that hard work is starting to pay dividends! Watch out Tiger Nation she’s ready to explode! #OurWay – Coach Parker
Cassie – Will the coaching staff be the same as last year or do you have any newcomers?
Coach Parker – We return our entire coaching staff from last year. Really helps with continuity.
Salute to the next in a long line of great #24s Our Miss Twitterless Gabby Saletta! The freshman is Lightning Quick on both sides of the ball and a ton of toughness after spending the fall on the pitch! Keep working Gabs! You got Next! #OurWay – Coach Parker
Cassie – Do you have any Freshmen or Sophomores that you are expecting big things from this season?
Coach Parker – Josie Early and Olivia Raby received significant minutes and experience as a freshman last year. They are going to be a big piece of the puzzle this season!
Tiger Nation allow me to introduce a NewComer to the program Our Miss @NiaKemper4 AKA FLEEK! Don’t Blink because if you do the ultra-quick sharp shooting PG will be gone! Don’t let the smile fool you she’s looking to take Someone’s lunch money on that Court #OurWay – Coach Parker
Cassie – What are some of your personal coaching goals this year? Team goals?
Coach Parker – Personally my goals have shifted based on my health situation. Every day that I am able to spend with my team is a blessing! When I am physically able I want to be with the team. I draw energy from them. The team really wants to defend out ECC crown and get back and when a District title. The community has really rallied behind myself and this team, I really feel we are destined for great things!
We play in the present but the future looks bright especially for Our @HannahPawlikow1! This is one tough Freshman who doesn’t mind mixing it up in the paint! Excited to watch her develop in the next 4 years!! #OurWay – Coach Parker
Cassie – Will you be competing against any schools that you haven’t competed against in the past or haven’t competed against in quite some time? If so what teams?
Coach Parker – As Mentioned above we will start playing the new teams in our conference. We also open up with Lakota East who we haven’t played in recent times.
Big shoes to fill after she took over her pals # but Our @SophiaKapsz (just call me KAPS) is up for the challenge! Infectious energy and an animal on the boards, she ready to wreak havoc this year. I hope she even breaks out the dance moves #OurWay – Coach Parker
Cassie – Any new mottos this year other than your infamous #Ourway?!
Coach Parker – Haha, OurWay will always be the motto that we follow. With my diagnosis, the Girls have reached a Mantra of OURWAY, OURFIGHT. They are in this battle with me. That’s what Family does!!#OurWay
Another one of our Fab Frosh making the Countdown! Our Miss @bebout_sara is well on her way to being a force in the paint for our Tigers! The future is bright for you kid! Keep working and getting better every day!#OurWay – Coach Parker
For more of the Sports 411 with me, Cassie Mattia, stay tuned!
Loveland, Ohio – It was a packed gym Saturday afternoon at Princeton High School filled with many spirited fans rooting on Loveland’s Women’s Basketball Team as they pushed to win their first District Championship. Although the Lady Tigers didn’t pull off the win, the game itself was still both competitive and exciting!
The Lady Tigers took on Mount Notre Dame, who were not only ranked number 1 in Ohio’s Division 1 High School Women’s basketball poll they were also ranked #3 in the nation by MaxPreps, as well as being both undefeated and the reigning Ohio Champs!
Loveland began the 1st quarter focused on shutting down MND’s top scorers and creating opportunities for Jillian Hayes inside the paint. The Tigers managed to achieve their first-quarter goals ending the quarter with a 19-17 lead, a field goal percentage of 40 percent, and they kept MND’s top scorers to single digits.
In the 2nd quarter, the Tigers kicked up their defense allowing MND to score only 7 points. Although MND beat Loveland 7-6 in the 2nd quarter, the Lady Tigers capitalized on their free throws, going 6 for 6. Senior Jillian Hayes led the Tigers at the half in points with 8 followed by Freshman Josie Early who tallied up 6 points. Junior Tess Broermann contributed heavily adding on 4 points, 4 assists, and 1 steal. Senior Kate Garry was the top rebounder at the half with 3 and collected 2 assists.
After the half, both Loveland and MND turned up the heat! The 3rd quarter seemed to be all about the fast break as most of Loveland’s baskets were either scored on a fast break or a v-cut pass to the basket. With 5:33 left on the clock in the 3rd quarter, the Lady Tigers led by 7 points. MND mirrored Loveland’s effort going 42 percent from the 3 point line and 82 percent from the free-throw line. MND outscored Loveland in the 3rd quarter 18-13, but the score did not reflect Loveland’s tenacity as they not only hustled for every loose ball they also capitalized on the defensive end.
Going into the 4th quarter the Loveland Tigers had everything to gain and nothing to lose. Loveland pushed until the very last second of the game but unfortunately did not collect the District title. MND outscored the Tigers 19-10 in the 4th quarter making the final score of the game 61-48.
Loveland fans at the game and at home all agreed that although the Tigers did not win it was still an exciting game and such an honor to see such a great group of women compete. The top performer for Loveland was Jillian Hayes who put up 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. Following close behind Hayes was Josie Early who collected 11 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 block. The ECC champs ended their season with an impressive 22-4 record.
Emotions ran high as Loveland lined up to receive their District runner-up medals after the game ended. ECC Coach of the Year Coach Darnell Parker and Loveland’s Athletic Director Brian Conaster handed out the school history-changing medals with a smile and a huge hug to each Lady Tiger. After medals were handed out many of the Lady Tigers ran up to their friends and families to express to them how much they appreciated their support throughout the season. It’s safe to say that the season this particular Loveland High School Women’s Basketball Team had will go down as the best season ever in LHS Women’s Basketball history.
Loveland Magazine would like to congratulate the LHS Women’s Basketball Team and the LHS Athletic Department for having such an incredible year! We could not be more proud of everything everyone on the team and staff accomplished. We are truly touched to have had the opportunity to cover such a great basketball program! We wish the women moving on to the play at the college level the best of luck and of course those that still have a couple more years to play for Coach Parker we can’t wait to see what next year brings. GO TIGERS! #OURWAY!
CORRECTION: This story has been up-dated to reflect that Josie Early is a first-year student and not a Junior.
by Cassia Mattia
Loveland, Ohio – The Lady Tigers and Coach Parker are rewriting Women’s Loveland Basketball history one win at a time! LHS’s Women’s Basketball team is set to continue their impressive journey to the tourney on Monday night against Mason High School for the OHSAA District Semi-Finals crown.
The Tigers defeated Lebanon 52-25 last Wednesday night at Lakota East High School bringing their record-breaking season to 21-3. Stand out Senior Jillian Hayes led the Tigers in scoring and rebounds with 12 points and 9 rebounds. Hayes now officially holds the record as Loveland’s all-time leading scorer and holds the all-time rebounding record. In the Eastern Cincinnati Conference Hayes is ranked 2nd in points averaging 18.1 per game, 2nd in rebounds averaging 10 per game, 4th in blocks averaging 1.5 per game, and 3rd in steals averaging 3.2 per game.
First year student Josie Early, came off the bench Wednesday night and scored a season-high of 10 points.
The future of Loveland Women’s Basketball, First year student Josie Early, came off the bench Wednesday night and scored a season-high of 10 points. Teammates, Junior Jenna Batsch, and, Senior Kate Garry, added 7 points each to the big Tiger win. Batsch holds the 5th spot in the ECC for steals averaging 2.6 per game while Garry has climbed her way up to the 3rd spot on Loveland all-time leading scorer list! Not only has Garry achieved an all-time leading scorer spot she has also grabbed the number 1 spot as Loveland’s all-time leading 3-point shooter. Coach Darnell Parker celebrated Garry’s accomplishments over Twitter saying, “@Kgarry12 has vaulted herself to #3 All-Time leading scorer in Loveland History! This kid is now on the Mt Rushmore of players to wear the Orange and Black! Proud of you KG!”
Recently the ECC released the Women’s Basketball All-Conference Teams as well as the ECC Athlete of the Year and the ECC Coach of the Year. Not to anyone’s surprise, the Loveland Women’s Basketball squad received a number of accolades within the ECC. Coach Parker was named Coach of the Year and Jillian Hayes was named Co-Athlete of the Year along with Walnut Hills’ Sean Kelly Darks. Jenna Batsch and Jillian Hayes were named 1st Team All ECC while Tess Broermann and Kate Garry were named 2nd Team All ECC. Sophia Raby also received Honorable Mention All ECC.
Loveland will go up against a talented Mason Comets team who went 15-8 this year finishing in 3rd place in the GMC. The Comets advanced to the finals by beating Ursuline Academy 39-36 last Wednesday. Mason is led by Freshman Margo Mattes who averages 14.9 points per game and Junior Forward Marilyn Popplewell who averages 9.9 points per game. The District Semi-Finals will be held at Lakota East High School on Monday at 7:30 PM.
Check out the box score below from Loveland’s huge win against Lebanon last week!
![[Photos] Tiger Women bow out to #1 team in Ohio](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/j-early-1.jpg)
![[Game Photos] Loveland Tigers advance in State Tournament to face Mason Comets](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/early-feature-1200-size.jpg)
![[Photo Albums] Tiger basketball claims 2nd in ECC after easy win over Anderson](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/k-wilber-score.png)
![[Highlight Reel] LHS Women’s and Men’s basketball](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/basketball-reel-feature.jpg)
![[Photo Album] Tigers fall in close game vs. Mount Notre Dame](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/tigers-district-runners-up.jpg)
![[Photo Album] The Loveland Women’s Basketball Team Advances to the District Semi-Finals!](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/lebanon-feature-1.jpg)
Recently the ECC released the Women’s Basketball All-Conference Teams as well as the ECC Athlete of the Year and the ECC Coach of the Year. Not to anyone’s surprise, the Loveland Women’s Basketball squad received a number of accolades within the ECC. Coach Parker was named Coach of the Year and Jillian Hayes was named Co-Athlete of the Year along with Walnut Hills’ Sean Kelly Darks. Jenna Batsch and Jillian Hayes were named 1st Team All ECC while Tess Broermann and Kate Garry were named 2nd Team All ECC. Sophia Raby also received Honorable Mention All ECC.
