Wednesday, February 12th, 2014

Indians edge Bulldogs by one

Siefring's late free throw proves to be game-winner

By Gary R. Rasberry
Photo by Mark Pummell/The Daily Standard

Fort Recovery's Kendra Siefring tries to shoot over Celina's Kourtney Fark during Tuesday's matchup at Fort Site Fieldhouse. Siefring hit a free throw late in the fourth quarter to help the Indians edge the Bulldogs, 47-46.

FORT RECOVERY - In a hotly-contested matchup between Celina and Fort Recovery on Tuesday night, it was Kendra Siefring's free throw with 44 seconds left in the game that propelled the Indians to a 47-46 win over the Bulldogs at Fort Site Fieldhouse.
The biggest lead for either team was four points throughout the game with seven ties and 12 lead changes.
"We missed some bunnies early on. If we had made those, it might have let us pull away a bit," said Celina coach Toma Hainline. "... I told the kids I was proud of them. They really tried to execute everything we tried to do tonight. I couldn't ask for more. I thought we played much better than we did last Thursday (against Shawnee)."
"Kids played hard, and I think (Celina) played hard," said Fort Recovery coach Doug Bihn. "It was tough all night. It was a good game. Celina is better than their record."
Celina (3-18) led 24-23 at halftime and maintained a one-point lead at 37-36 at the end of three quarters.
Fort Recovery (9-10) quickly regained the lead in the fourth quarter on back-to-back baskets from Kara Jutte and Siefring after a pair of Celina turnovers. The Indians were up four at 45-41 with just under 4 1/2 minutes on the clock, but the Bulldogs climbed back as Heather Heiby hit a field goal and added a free throw to tie the game at 46-46 at the 1:41 mark.
Both teams had chances to break the tie on their ensuing possessions but came up empty. Caley Schoenherr was fouled going for an offensive rebound but missed two free throws that would have put the Indians ahead. Celina had solid looks from Jenna Berry and Heiby on a possession, but both shots missed and Siefring pulled down the rebound.
After a timeout, Siefring was fouled with 44.4 seconds to go. Siefring missed the first free throw, but buried the second to put the Indians up by a point.
Celina moved the ball on the perimeter on the ensuing possession, looking for either Berry or Heiby. It was Heiby that got open at the top of the three-point line and took the shot, but it was off target and Tori Lennartz collected the rebound before being fouled with 4.5 seconds left. Lennartz missed the front end of the one-and-bonus, with Celina's Trish Dennis getting the rebound and passing to Heiby, whose 3/4-court heave hit the rim, but bounced harmlessly away at the buzzer.
"We made some plays late, got some easy buckets late," said Bihn. "If we could have made some free throws (Fort Recovery was 10-of-19, but 4-of-11 in the second half), it would have helped us out a little better, too."
Lennartz finished with 18 points to lead the Indians, shooting 6-of-18 from the field thanks to primary defensive work from Berry.
"(Lennartz) got some shots, but we had a tough 5-4 freshman on her (who) was able to body her up a bit," said Hainline. "At the end, we were bringing back-side help because we knew she would spin to the middle."
Kourtney Fark paced Celina with 13 points with Heiby scoring 12.
Both teams wrap up their regular season on Thursday. Fort Recovery makes the short trek east on Ohio 119 to face St. Henry in Midwest Athletic Conference play. Celina is at home on Thursday at the Fieldhouse to take on Kenton in Western Buckeye League action.
Photo by Mark Pummell/The Daily Standard

Celina's Heather Heiby tries to steal the ball from Fort Recovery's Kara Jutte during Tuesday's 47-46 Indians' win.

Photo by Mark Pummell/The Daily Standard

Fort Recovery's Tori Lennartz scored 18 points in Tuesday's win over Celina.

Photo by Mark Pummell/The Daily Standard

Fort Recovery's Sierra Pugh defends against Celina's Jenna Berry.

Additional online stories on this date
By DOUG DREXLER
and KATHY THOMPSON
newsdept@dailystandard.com
COLDWATER - School board members Tuesday night agreed to enter into a settlement with the family who claimed their child had been physically and emotionally abused by the school district and a teacher in 2011. [More]
A portion of state Route 67 in Auglaize County may be dedicated in honor of Staff Sgt. Sonny Zimmerman.
Zimmerman, 25, of Waynesfield, was an infan [More]
Subscriber and paid stories on this date
CELINA - A public hearing to determine whether former police chief Dave Slusser should get his job back commenced Tuesday morning with testimony by the ex-chief and several of his former co-workers.
WILLSHIRE - Winter weather woes continue for Parkway Local Schools as maintenance costs continue to climb and teachers try to catch-up after many missed days.
WAPAKONETA - A new building project is in the works at the Auglaize County Fairgrounds.
Fairground manager Fred Piehl on Tuesday met with commissio
CHICKASAW - Furnace problems caused heavy black smoke that brought four fire departments to Joe and Jean's Town Tavern Tuesday morning.
Chickasaw f
NEW BREMEN - Residents and businesses will be paying higher water bills starting in March.
Council members meeting Tuesday night approved legislati
CELINA - A man was taken into custody Tuesday night after he reportedly fired at least one shot from a gun while he was in his home in the 600 block of Sugar Street.
WAPAKONETA - A 29-year-old Celina resident was chosen as 2013 trooper of the year at the local post.
Steven G. Posada was selected by fellow offic
CELINA - Mercer County Commissioners on Tuesday approved purchases to help facilitate snow removal.
The trio gave unanimous approval to buy $37,46
FORT RECOVERY - When Fort Loramie started on a blistering shooting streak, Fort Recovery just rode the wave, waiting to make its move.
Elijah Kahl
Local Roundup
Compiled by Gary R. Rasberry
Marion Local and Coldwater traded hot streaks, but it was the Flyers' streak that lasted longer as they picked up a 65-53 win over the Cavaliers in Midwest Athletic Conference boys basketball action on Tuesday night at The Palace.