by Cassie Mattia

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!

Read the complete game stats below the photos.

Saturday, February 29, 2020
61 Mount Notre Dame	1 2 3 4 T MND 17 7 18 19 61 LVL 19 6 13 10 48	48 Loveland