WADSWORTH OHIO – The Magnificat Blue Streaks defeated the Jackson Polar Bears 54-41 to advance to the State Final Four next weekend in Columbus.  The story of the game for Magnificat was Sofia and Sophia, no matter how you choose to spell it, they dominated when it mattered the most.

Sofia Wilson scored 13 of her game high 19 points in the third quarter as she came out of the locker room on absolute fire.  Meanwhile, Sophia LaPorte had the task to cover the Polar Bears top scoring threat Ashley Helle and held her to just 5 points in the first three quarters, including 0 in the second and third when Magnificat pulled away.

Sophia LaPorte spoke about her ability to get big stops against the other teams best players time and time again, “That is my role on the team and we worked on it a lot in practice about how to deal with screens. Our focus is defense and that is just what we do.  I like that challenge and playing defense.  I like using my hands and being quick.  I like what it feels like to stop someone. “

Sofia Wilson talked about her big third quarter, “We were up 7 at half and I knew I was going to look to be a little more aggressive and get shots for myself and my teammates.  I just knew I had to get myself going. We just take it one game at a time and we want this so bad, I think we all really buy into the values and that is what carries us through each time. “

Reese Roggenburk had 4 of her 12 points in the fourth quarter and continues to be that girl who helps the Blue Streaks close out games.  I spoke with Reese post-game about why she shines so much in that role, “We always talk about playing through the whole game, and playing through that mindset.  We want to stay strong throughout the whole game.”  Reese went on to say about how they keep the focus before big games heading into next weekends state final four, “I take deep breathes before each big game.  And try to lock in my mind so I can stay focused on the game.”

Julia Hall scored early and often as she finished with 14 while Gemma Wichmann was once again a difference maker down low with double digit rebounds and finishing with 9 points. 3 of those 9 for Gemma came from behind the three-point line in the second quarter that gave them a 21-13 lead at the time.

For the Polar Bears, it was Ashley Helle and Ava Kouri both scoring 8 while they were led by Maddie Lepley who finished with 9.  For Lepley, she ran into some foul trouble early or things may have been a bit different late.  She showed sparks when she was in there and displayed a ton of raw talent. Also scoring for the Polar Bears was Talia Russell and Emily Rofe with 5 each as Maddie Dolan, Hannah Kunkle and Licua Fuline each had 2.

After Helle hit a 3 pointer to make it 3-2 early, the Blue Streaks went on a 8-0 run to take a 10-3 lead, and never let it get close again. They finished the first half by that same margin of 7, as they led 27-20 at the break.

Any chance of it being a close game ended in the third however as Sofia Wilson took things over. Wilson was that Heart and Soul spark that we talk about time and time again. She nailed a three ball to start it, got a steal and turned it into a fast break layup for 5 quick points.  From there, she nailed another three and got another fast break for an insane 10-0 run all scored by Wilson.  In the meantime, the Polar Bears couldn’t get a shot off and just kept turning it over. An Ava Kouri three would eventually stop the Blue Steak run, but the damage had been done.

The Blue Streaks took a 42-25 lead into the fourth quarter that did cut down to 14 at one point, but couldn’t do much from there as Magnificat hung on for the win.

It has not been announced who they play next Sunday or what time, but it will be Sunday in Columbus for the Blue Streaks to have a chance to play for a State Championship.