Avon Lake defeats Akron SVSM, 40-26, advances to state final four

Cleveland, Ohio – The Avon Lake Shoregals defeated the St. Vincent-St. Mary Fighting Irish, 40-26, in the OHSAA Division III, Region 11 championship game at Benedictine High School.

It was a rematch of the January 4th matchup between the two teams, in which St. V emerged victorious, 37-34.

The Fighting Irish jumped out to a 2-0 lead thanks to a jumper from junior Tatum Smith. It was the only lead they had of the game. Avon Lake would counter with an Olivia Tobin basket, followed by a layup from Olivia Miller, and two free throws.

Later in the stanza, junior Evelyn Ritt sank a triple to beat the buzzer, giving the Shoregals a 14-7 lead after one. Bre Jones would sink a triple of her own to increase the lead to 17-7. The defense would also make huge contributions, holding St. V to two field goals in the stanza. Izzie Polinko had eight points in the half, cashing in a pair of triples in the process.

Avon Lake led 23-15 at halftime. After taking another ten point lead, the Fighting Irish cut the lead to 25-20 midway through the third quarter. Sydney Ferguson and Tatum Smith each scored a field goal, and Melania Cornute split a pair of free throws.

The Shoregals countered with an 8-0 run to end the frame. Izzie Polinko had a basket, followed by a triple from Olivia Tobin to increase the lead back to double digits. Molly Milligan had an offensive rebound and putback to further electrify the Avon Lake crowd.

Avon Lake would continue to frustrate St. Vincent-St. Mary with a strong defensive effort including rebounds and steals throughout the game. When the final buzzer sounded, the Shoregals, who were making their first regional appearance since 2001, celebrated a regional championship.

Avon Lake was led by senior guard Izzie Polinko with 11 points, followed by junior Olivia Miller with ten points. Sophomore guard Melania Cornute finished with ten points to lead the Fighting Irish.

Extended highlights below: