Sports
One Win Away: Poise, Defense Key To Lady Tigers' Victory
Malina Howard's 19 points led the Tigers to a 57-44 victory over Pickerington North.
There's nothing more demoralizing than having your shot spiked back into your face.
On Friday night, Twinsburg's Malina Howard crushed the spirits of Pickerington North, rejecting five shots and earning a double-double to lead the Tigers over the Panthers, 57-44.
"I think they got discouraged," said Sophomore Ashley Morrissette of Howard's defensive performance. "You wouldn't want to shoot it with Mo in your face."
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With the win, Twinsburg (26-0) will take on Kettering Fairmount (26-1) in the Division 1 state championship game Saturday at 8:30 p.m. under the bright lights of the Schottenstein Center in Columbus.
Howard finished Friday with 19 points, 13 rebounds, five blocks and three steals. Her coach believes she's determined to win it all.
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"Malina will be ready," said Coach Juile Solis of Saturday's game. "I have confidence in her, she's a strong young lady."
Howard may have put up one of her best performances of the season statistically, but she was more proud of the way her team came together for the win.
"As a team it was one of our best games," Howard said.
Check back tomorrow morning for more in-depth coverage and video from Friday night's win.
BOX SCORE
Box Score 1 2 3 4 Final Twinsburg 12 19 13 13 57 Pickerington North 11 8 13 1244
PLAYER STATISTICS
Player Rebs Assts Blks Pts Howard, M. 13 0 5 19 Morrissette, A. 3 3 1 13 Carman, N. 2 0 0 9 Fechko, L. 4 4 0 9 Gatewood, L. 3 0 0 4 Fox, K. 2 3 0 3 Dunnigan, C. 2 0 0 0 Mabry, N. 1 0 0 0Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.