by “1 Samuel 17:49 – And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang [it], and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.”
**photo by Amy Eldridge Photography
The North Ridgeville Lady Rangers are no longer a David, but they have the strength, fight and spirit he did the day he slain Goliath. This team is real, and with the energy behind them, anything is possible.
If the past two weeks haven’t made it crystal clear what we are all witnessing, allow me to recap it. In their first round playoff game against Elyria, their leading scoring Grace Kingery had 1 point through three quarters. It didn’t matter because the team around her stepped up and helped put Elyria away.
Kingery would have 13 in the 4th, but the Rangers had built such a strong lead, she could have scored half that and they still would have won comfortably.
In that game Maddy Rosado had 10, Daylan Baker had 9 and Kat Crevda who is known for defense and rebounding, put up 12. This team always steps up when they need to. They are a team in its truest form.
Up next was Barberton, and after 3 quarters it looked like the Magics would end the Rangers run, they didn’t. North Ridgeville battled back from a fourth quarter deficit of 40-34 for their own form of “Magic”.
The Rangers wouldn’t quit, they just kept coming and forced overtime. the Rangers got points from Madyson Rosado, Daylan Baker, & Kat Crevda to ensure victory. This team is special, very special!
Then, when most people wanted to count them out as they traveled to take on higher seeded Magnificat, the Lady Rangers showed the fight that have had us betting on them since day one.
“After trailing 17-10 after the first quarter, the Rangers outscored the Blue Streaks 17-5 in the second quarter, including a 14-0 for the first 6:38 of the second quarter. Grace Kingery & Madyson Rosado each hit a three point basket to fuel the run which was perhaps the turning point of the game.” – Per Jason Hannum
From there they spent the next two quarters breaking the spirit of Mags and gave everyone a reason to stand up and cheer loudly for the underdog!
The fourth quarter would become tight, but they held on for the win as Baker went off for 23 and Kingery 17. This team is special!
And now, they go after Strongsville and try to coral the Mustangs. They’re up against one of the toughest sister combo’s this state has ever seen. Regan and Taylor Bass are amazing young athletes but North Ridgeville has the talent and depth to more than give them a game, they have the ability to win.
Every team graduates talented seniors, they did with Leia Smith. Some teams have devastating injuries to great players, they did with Laney Rumancik. They even had a talented player transfer, but none of that has held them back.
Let me tell you something else they have
A veteran point guard who can run the floor but also shoot the lights out in Maddy Rosado. A tough as nails player in Baker who plays with as much heart and passion as anyone I have ever seen. She is the definition of gamer.
A silent assassin in Grace Kingery, who has a pure stroke from the outside, and an improving mid range game as well. Don’t judge a book by its cover with Grace. She may look quiet and like a freshman, but she plays like a champion.
Kat Credvda, Taylor Traut, Becca Bradley and Brynnley Kerr are so gritty and tough. They can care less who they have to guard, they just do it and play their tails off. Payton Palcisko is lighting in a bottle off of the bench with clutch shooting and sharp defense. Brooke Lime has shown they can step up in a moments notice as well after starting the year on JV.
This team is deep, hungry and well coached by 13 year veteran and JCU graduate Amy Esser.
Ladies and gentlemen, I leave you with this, on any given day, any team can be beaten. Lady Rangers, grab your rock, grip it tight and sling it. #ThatTeam
The Lady Rangers played hard and strong especially given the past year many of us have had to deal with! But that didn’t stop them from getting what they wanted a win! They were able to pull it together with the strength of each team player! Kudos to you, Lady Rangers!