by Ravenna, Ohio – The Medina Lady Battling Bees defeated Archbishop Hoban, 49-32, capturing their first district crown since 2021.
Medina got off to a 4-0 lead thanks to baskets from Olivia Klanac and Hailey Johnson. They would finish the first quarter ahead 15-4, as the defense forced turnovers left and right. Klanac had eight points in the stanza, knocking down a pair of triples.
The Battling Bees would increase their lead to 27-10 at the halftime break, as the defensive press continued from the first quarter, keeping Hoban out of rhythm.
An Olivia Klanac triple upped the lead to 30-10 early in the third quarter, but Hoban would chip away at the deficit. They would counter with a 10-0 run, including baskets from Niera Stevens and Finley Kennedy. However, the Knights would get no closer. An Olivia Klanac steal on a Hoban possession led to a layup to increase the lead to 32-20. Two sets of free throws later, and the lead stood at 36-20 after three.
Medina’s defense held Hoban to one field goal in the fourth quarter, and the Battling Bees sealed things with their defensive efforts. When the final buzzer sounded, Medina celebrated their first district championship since 2021.
Junior guard Olivia Klanac turned in a performance for the ages, finishing with 28 points and 11 steals. Defensively, Hailey Johnson came up with big boards, and Izzy Kurka came up with a couple of blocks. They each scored seven points on the evening.
Throughout the postseason, the Bees have given up an average of 31.5 points. They will face Uniontown Lake on Tuesday, March 5th, in a regional semifinal contest at their home court.
Hoban finished at 19-4. Sophomore wing Niera Stevens finished with 15 points.
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