DAYTON, Ohio — Toledo Christian used a smothering defense to win the first Ohio High School Athletic Association Division IV girls’ basketball semifinal on Thursday, cruising to a 57-29 win over Springfield Local.
The Eagles (23-4) jumped out on the Tigers in the first quarter, coming up with six steals and forcing Springfield to take two timeouts while trying to advance the ball in the backcourt in the opening period.
For the game, Toledo Christian forced 17 turnovers, had 9 steals and five blocks. The Tigers shot 29% from the field, on 11 of 38 field goal attempts.
Kendall Braden scored a game-high 21, while Kaylona Butler added 19 for the Eagles.
Jacey Mullen paced the Tigers with 10 points, who head home from Dayton disappointed, but taking comfort in a 24-4 season that ended with a first-ever trip to the Final Four.
The Eagles await the winner of the second semifinal (Hiland vs. Tri-Village) in Saturday’s championship game at 2 p.m., looking to win a state title on their first-ever appearance in the state tournament.
