skip navigation

Olentangy Liberty 40, Upper Arlington 33 - Prospect Scouting Report

By Emma Ervin, 12/10/21, 10:45PM EST

Share

Liberty's 10-0 fourth quarter earns them an OCC win

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Olentangy Liberty’s tenacious defense and a strong finish pushed them to a 40-33 victory over Upper Arlington in OCC action Friday night. 

Liberty jumped out to a 9-2 lead midway through the first thanks to sophomore Gigi Bower but junior Ceylone Brooks helped Upper Arlington claw back. The junior knocked down two three pointers to reduce the lead to just one point heading into the second quarter. The Patriots maintained a slim 11-10 lead. 

After back-to-back threes by UA senior Alyssa Gest and Bower, Liberty held a two point lead. Brooks tied the game which started a 6-0 run by the Golden Bears. Liberty cut the lead to just two points before halftime thanks to two free throws by junior Addison Marston. Upper Arlington headed to the locker room with a 21-19 lead. 

The third quarter was a back and forth battle with four ties and five lead changes. A two point field goal near the end of the quarter by UA senior Vivian Lawless gave the Golden Bears a two point, 31-29 lead with one quarter to play. 

After a tight three quarters, Liberty used a 10-0 run to seal the game in the latter half of the fourth quarter. UA struggled to get the ball to the basket thanks to the Patriots’ intense defense which held them to just two points in the final eight minutes. Sophomores Sarah Mitchell and Bower closed out the game with four straight free throws for Liberty. 

Bower led the Patriots in scoring with 12 and was supported by junior Addison Marston with seven and Mitchell with six. Brooks with a solid showing for the Golden Bears scoring 11. Lawless chipped in eight points in the loss. 

Let’s take a look at Friday’s top performers!

Gigi Bower (5’9 G / Olentangy Liberty / 2024) - Bower is one of the best players in the class of ‘24. She’s a pure shooter with a smooth right handed shot and she can score at all three levels. She has developed a nasty stepback and is a great ball handler. She struggled to score in the second half but found other ways to get involved. Bower is a consistent defender that can handle nearly any match-up. There is a reason this sophomore has an offer from nearly every school in the MAC.

Sarah Mitchell (5’7 G / Olentangy Liberty / 2024) - Mitchell isn't the flashiest player and doesn't score the most points but we really like her game. She makes great decisions with the basketball, plays tremendous defense and has a nice shot. She is not afraid to handle the ball under pressure and has a great motor. The sophomore has great potential and her fundamentals are solid. We are excited to see where the duo of Bower and Mitchell can go over the next three seasons.

Claire Mikola (5’6 G / Olentangy Liberty / 2025) - Mikola is one of the most intense defensive players we have seen this season. Her lateral speed and movement are unbelievable and a nightmare for opposing guards. She is a little hesitant on the offensive end but has decent handles and drives well. This freshman brings a different kind of energy to the floor for the Patriots.

Alyssa Gest (5’6 G / Upper Arlington / 2022) - After what appeared to be an off game against Bishop Watterson, Gest stepped up for the Golden Bears Friday night. The senior has a smooth, quick release and is a threat from three. Her great second quarter helped give UA the lead. She competes on defense and has a consistent motor. A little more consistency from deep would make her a major threat and significantly help the Golden Bears.

Recent News


Get the 270 Hoops Preview Magazine today!

Subscribe to 270 Hoops Mailing List!

Email Address:
Favorite High School:
First Name:
Last Name:
Subscribe