GRANVILLE, Ohio -- Wednesday’s matchup featured Granville, the No. 7 Division II team in the state, hosting Newark Catholic, the No. 5 Division IV team in the state, in a LCL matchup.

Granville’s (13-1) tenacious defense dominated the Green Wave (6-1) leading to a final score of 51-40. 

After finishing the first quarter deadlocked at 14, Granville used a 19-5 second quarter edge to rattle Newark Catholic. The Blue Aces' run was fueled by the outstanding guard play of Lainie Hilaman, Ella Wigal and Aliyah Moore as they combined for 15 of the 19 points. 

The Blue Aces continued their defensive gem in the third, holding Newark Catholic to just four points while stretching their lead to over 20. Their pesky full court press was giving the Green Wave fits, as multiple turnovers led to easy points for the Blue Aces. They led 43-23 after three quarters. 

Granville used a spread offense to kill a large part of the clock in the fourth, but struggled to score, tallying just eight points. The Newark Catholic offense finally picked up in the fourth, capitalizing on Granville turnovers to score 17 in the period, almost doubling their effort in the first three quarters. The strong effort was too little, too late as they dropped their first game of the season. 

Sophomore Ella Wigal led Granville with 14 points followed by senior Lainie Hilaman with nine and freshman Aliyah Moore with eight. Newark Cathloic was led by seniors Brynn Peddicord and Harlei Antritt with ten each and junior Chloe Peloquin with nine. 

Ella Wigal (5’11 G / Granville / 2023) - Wigal continues to grow and polish her game as the season goes on. Her motor and effort on the defensive ends of the floor continue to impress us. Wednesday, she led the offensive charge for the Blue Aces. Her three point shot could use a little bit of consistency, but she is dangerous enough to open up the drive where she finishes strong. Wigal uses her defense to create offensive opportunities and is speedy in transition to get to the rim. 

Lainie Hilaman (5’7 G / Granville / 2021) - Hilaman is tough as nails. She is a true veteran leader at guard for the Blue Aces and the entire team follows her poised demeanor. She is crafty in getting to the basket and handles the ball smoothly. Hilaman does all of the little things and does them well. Her high motor and effort on the defensive end of the floor make a huge difference for this team. As one of few seniors on the roster, Hilaman has been a key cog for the program for the last four years and will be a big piece to a potential district title run and more.

Chloe Chard-Peloquin (6’3 F / Newark Catholic / 2022) - Chard-Peloquin, who just picked up an offer from LIU, is a talented, athletic, lengthy forward for the Green Wave. She has a great inside out scoring ability that can cause matchup nightmares. She handles the ball well and pushes hard in transition. She nearly averages a double double and is a force to be reckoned with on the boards. Chard-Peloquin has a bright future that will be even brighter if she is able to increase her strength. In a 2022 class loaded with forward prospects, Chard-Peloquin is one of the best. 

Harlei Antritt (6'0 F / Newark Catholic / 2021) - Antritt and Chard-Peloquin are a scary one two punch down low and in the mid range for Newark Catholic. Antritt’s size and athleticism are big factors in her success. She alters shots in the paint, forcing bad decisions from opposing players. The reigning LCL player of the year can score inside and out but is most effective from midrange and in. She can handle the ball in transition which gives her a huge upside. Her older brother Hunter Antritt was a terrific player at both Newark and Liberty Union, as Harlei is clearly the next in line for a talented basketball family.