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District Champs: Worthington Christian survives late against Liberty Union to capture a Division III district title

By Nick Buskirk, 02/26/21, 10:30PM EST

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Worthington Christian storms back after trailing in the fourth to cut down the nets

WORTHINGTON, Ohio -- In a tight matchup between Worthington Christian and Liberty Union on Friday night, Worthington Christian pulled ahead in the final seconds of the game to win 47-46 and capture a Division III district title.

Senior Kat Weakley led the charge for the winning squad and showed amazing abilities on the offensive and defensive ends. Sophomore Abbie Riddle and sophomore Caroline Berlekamp showed incredible skill for Liberty Union in the loss and are a duo to watch as they progress through high school.

Both teams started out hot on the offensive end, both reaching double digits within the first four minutes. Although the game didn’t have much perimeter scoring, junior Jaeda Tagoe hit two three-pointers and had a total of eight points in the first quarter. 

As the quarter progressed, Worthington Christian’s transition defense got better and better as they were forcing turnovers frequently, allowing them to end the quarter leading 16-12.

Throughout the first four minutes of the second quarter the score was kept at a four point gap. In the final four minutes, Liberty Union took advantage of Worthington Christian’s struggling defense. Liberty Union caught an offensive groove and went into the locker room leading 25-22 at half.

Worthington Christian looked like they were going to run away with the game early in the third, reaching 37 points and creating a six point lead over Liberty Union. Even with Worthington Christian playing excellent defense, however, Liberty Union managed to pull it back to a five point game entering the fourth trailing just 40-35.

Throughout the first six minutes of the fourth quarter Liberty Union played stellar defense, not allowing a single point. With 1:22 remaining, the Lions led 45-41, forcing Worthington Christian to foul. 

They had a chance to put the game away but struggled at the free throw line, going 1-5 in the final stretch, three of those misses being on the first shot of a one and one. 

On the final possession of the game with a chance to take the lead, Weakley was fouled and made both. With a missed half court heave, Worthington Christian survived and won the district 47-46.

The Warriors now move on to the Division III regional semifinals where they will take on either Waynesville or Mariemont next Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

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