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Ravenna, Ohio – Behind a strong performance from sophomore guard Niera Stevens, the Hoban Knights advanced to their fifth straight district final with a 86-38 win over Ellet.
Earlier in the season, on December 14th, Hoban held off Ellet, 49-45, in the teams’ first matchup against each other.
The Knights came out on fire from the opening jump. Baskets from Stevens, as well as senior guard Mackenzie Edingburgh put Hoban ahead, 14-0, in the first quarter. Ellet did not score their first field goal until a layup by junior guard Caitlyn Holmes with 1:55 left in the stanza. Hoban would end the first quarter ahead, 23-8.
The defense also contributed to the effort for Hoban, forcing turnover after turnover and frustrating the Ellet offense from the opening tip. Sophomore guard Zoey Hodge got in on the fun, scoring 11 points in the second quarter, and knocking down a pair of triples. Niera Stevens had 19 points in the first half, and 13 in the opening quarter, as Hoban led 47-23 at the half.
“We tried to minimize our mistakes and key in on their two players, (Caitlyn) Holmes and (Saniyah) Gray.” said head coach Pam Davis.
Due to the numerous turnovers, despite 12 first half points from Kent State commit Caitlyn Holmes, and nine from Saniyah Gray, Ellet could not get much going on offense.
The Knights managed to pick up where they left off in the first half, going on a 9-2 run to push their lead to 56-25. They would score 12 more points behind the efforts of Mackenzie Edingburgh, Mackenzie Grant, Finley Kinnedy, and Stevens. Edingburgh’s bucket pushed the lead to 35 points and triggered the running clock.
Hoban would cruise to victory from there. Sophomore guard Niera Stevens finished the night with 28 points.
“Believe it or not, it is her first full year on varsity as well as starting. For her to be able to put on a performance like that is a testament of the amount of work she put in during the offseason.” added Davis.
In addition to Stevens’ efforts, three other Knights finished in double figures. Senior Mackenzie Edingburgh had 17 points, sophomore guard Zoey Hodge had 16 off the bench, and sophomore Mackenzie Grant had 11.
Hoban advances to the district final on Friday, March 1.
Ellet finishes their season at 17-7. Junior forward Saniyah Gray led the Orangemen with 17, and Caitlyn Holmes added 14.
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