Wadsworth OH: In one of the season’s most anticipated games, the Magnificat Blue Streaks (19-5) took down the Strongsville Mustangs (23-2) 56-48 in regional semifinal action. Senior Reese Roggenburk led Magnificat with 21 points and Kennedi Neale and Sidney Butera each had 13 for the Mustangs.

The atmosphere was electric from the tip, and both teams played physically right away. With the score tied late in the first, Butera hit a three-pointer that gave Strongsville a 10-7 lead after one quarter.

The second quarter was more of the same, a back-and-forth defensive battle. Roggenburk and Gemma Wichmann had four a piece in the quarter, enough to close the small gap and send the game into the half, tied at 20-20.

Magnificat came out of the break on fire on both ends of the floor, going on an 8-1 run to open the third quarter. After being held to just two points in the first half, senior Sofia Wilson took control in the third, outscoring the Mustangs 9-7 on her own. Sloppy play led to easy baskets for the Blue Streaks, and they held a 36-27 lead heading into the final frame.

The Mustangs turned up the pressure with a full-court press, but crisp passing by Magnificat led to easy buckets for the Blue Streaks. Despite being held to just three points through three quarters, senior Kennedi Neale would not let the Mustangs go down without a fight, scoring nine points in the fourth.

Magnificat had chances to put the game out of reach, but missed free throws let Strongsville hang around until the end. Roggenburk had nine of her own in the quarter, and when the final horn sounded the Blue Streaks walked away with a 56-48 victory, moving them one win from a return to the state semifinals.

Up Next

The Magnificat Blue Streaks are now just one game away from a return to the state semifinals where they fell a year before. First, the Blue Streaks will square off with Massillon Jackson (20-5) at Wadsworth High School on Saturday afternoon. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 pm. 

Top Performers

Strongsville Mustangs

Sidney Butera: 13 points

Kennedi Neale: 13 points

Magnificat Blue Streaks

Reese Roggenburk: 21 points

Sofia Wilson: 15 points