LIBERTY, TWP — Talawanda’s girls basketball team was unable to control the inside game of Ursaline Academy’s Maddie Stuhlreyer in their opening round game of the Division I post-season tournament. The 14th seeded Lady Braves traveled to Lakota East High School on Wednesday, Feb. 15, to take on the No. 6 seed.
Stuhlreyer, a 6-4 senior post player, led Ursaline to a 22-11 advantage in the second quarter to turn a close game into a double-digit deficit for Talawanda. The Lady Braves trailed by just two points at the end of the first quarter, but faced a 35-22 deficit at halftime.
Talawanda played even with Ursaline in the second half, but could not get back into the game. Ursaline advanced with a 62-46 win.
Stuhlreyer led all scorers with 21 points and also pulled down 10 rebounds. She made 10-of-13 shots.
Talawanda had three players reach double-figures with Emma Wright leading the team with 20 points, including five 3-pointers. Addie Brown and Hannah Hurst each added 11. Katlynn Woodruff led the team with eight rebounds.
The Lady Braves finished the season with a 16-7 overall record. They were 10-2 in the Southwestern Ohio Conference, in second place behind Edgewood.
Boys’ squad plays regular season finale at home
The boys’ basketball team fought back from an early deficit and trailed by just one point at halftime in their regular season finale. The Braves hosted Ross on Friday, Feb.17.
The Braves fell behind early, trailing 13-6 at the end of the first quarter. They fought back in the second period and trailed 22-21 at the half. Talawanda kept the game close in the second half, but could not come away with the win. Ross outscored Talawanda by six and took a 60-53 win.
Talawanda had three players reach double-figures, led by Evan James and Ty Hornsby with 14 each. Blake Cook added 11 points and also led the team with nine rebounds.
Talawanda finished the season with a 3-19 overall record, 1-11 in the SWOC. They will travel to Fairfield High School on Saturday, Feb. 25, for the opening round of the OHSAA Div. 1 tournament. They will face No. 3 seed Oak Hills at 6:30 p.m.