PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- One potentially good thing to come out of the COVID-19 cancellations is the scheduling of unexpected games that would not normally be played. One of those sudden changes led to powerhouses Pickerington Central (2-2) and Hiland (9-0) clashing in a highly anticipated matchup. Despite a fourth quarter rally, host Pickerington Central was unable to tame the Hawks, falling 58-52 on Tuesday afternoon.

The latter half of the first quarter and entire second quarter were dominated by Hiland mostly due to the shooting efforts of Kyli Horn, who had 15 points on five threes. Pickerington Central struggled on the defensive boards which allowed Hiland to score many times off of second chance shots. Hiland went into halftime with a 36-22 lead.

Hiland started the first with a 5-0 run and seemed to be running away with the game. Zoe Miller was dominating inside for the Hawks and the Tigers were struggling to get any rebounds. The Hawks led 49-32 after the opening three quarters of play.

In the fourth, the Tigers turned up the defensive intensity which led to turnovers and easy baskets. Big efforts from Madison Greene, Olivia Cooper, and Jocelyn Tate helped PC chip away at the lead and cut it to seven, but with only 27 seconds left. A late three by Greene would help produce the final six-point margin.

Pickerington Central was led by Madison Greene with 18. With today’s loss, the Tigers drop to 2-2 on the year. Hiland was led offensively by Zoe Miller with 16, and Kyli Horn with 15; but even more impressive was the Hawks defense, which held Purdue commit Skye Williams scoreless in the game.

Madison Greene (5'7 PG / Pickerington Central / 2023) - Greene’s stock continues to rise, especially after a tough showing against one of the best programs in the state. On Tuesday she was able to score in a variety of ways: off the dribble, in transition, off the spot up shot. Her defensive intensity and active hands are incredible and do not go unnoticed. We look for her to continue to improve over the season on a talented Pickerington Central squad.

Kyli Horn (5’6 G / Hiland / 2021) - Horn is a knock down three point shooter. Period. The Malone-commit has a pure stroke and quick release. She had 15 first half points on five threes. Horn, along with the rest of the Hawks backcourt, is tenacious and relentless on the defensive end of the floor. She is a great communicator and makes her teammates better.

Zoe Miller (6’1 F / Hiland / 2021) - Miller, a Bowling Green commit, was dominant from start to finish today. Her ability to rebound on both ends of the floor makes her a double-double candidate every single night out. She has an extremely high basketball IQ and is constantly in the right position at the right time. Miller handles the ball and shoots from three like a guard, but can put a solid move on just about anyone in the post.