Strasburg limits Russia to under 20 to capture state championship

Sophia Secrest shoots an open jump shot over Celeste Borchers. (Photo: Chuck Cordes/Ohsfbmedia.com)

DAYTON, Ohio - In one of the oddest games of girls basketball championship weekend was the Division VII title game between Russia and Strasburg-Franklin that ended in a score of 38-17. 

"It was a gut check game," said Bates. "If we could pressure for four quarters, that would benefit us a little bit."

The first half of the game was all Strasburg, who was led by Ally Miller, who controlled the paint with points and rebounds. Russia did not have an answer for her as she paced the Tigers with nine points and seven rebounds for the half. 

Russia only managed five points in the first quarter, off of free throws and a layup by Aryana Cordonnier, and just three points in the second quarter, again off a free throw and a layup, as they would close out the half trailing 8-17. 

The second half was pretty similar as they could only score eight points to Strasburg-Franklin's 17 in that quarter. "We knew Russia was really good and they wanted to play in the half court, disciplined basketball, so we wanted to speed them up," said Tyler Bates. 

The Tigers were able to include several players in the scoring: Olivia Spidell, Miller, Sophia Secrest, and Lydia Thomas, contributing to a total of 17 points in that quarter. 

Strasburg-Franklin was in the lead the whole game as they entered the final period, which only had 17 points in total, but was enough for the Tigers to claim the Division VII State Championship. 

"It means the world to me, I've been able to put so much work in in the offseason, do it with my best friends, it's just the best thing ever," said Miller. 

They win the first girls' basketball championship for the small school that houses about 335 students. "I'm so grateful for the community," said Bates.

The article was presented by The Ross Reality Group, KW Legacy Group, Grip Spritz, Traction Mat, and Court Mop.