DUBLIN, Ohio -- Monday’s OCC cross-divisional matchup featured cross town rivals Dublin Coffman and Dublin Jerome. Coffman’s 25-0 first half run put the game out of reach early and they never looked back. This victory was highlighted by junior Jenna Kopyar who tallied 26 points on the night in their 58-22 defeat of the Jerome Celtics.  

The Rocks jumped out to a 4-1 lead but a three by Celtic sophomore Kadence Conley tied the game at four. Junior Tessa Grady regained the lead for the Rocks but a layup by senior Cari Dupote-Fosnot tied the game again at six. The Rocks ended the first on an 8-0 run, thanks to six points from Kopyar and a bucket by senior Ellie Vaccari, and they wouldn't stop there. They headed into the second quarter with a 14-6 lead. 

Kopyar continued her outburst, connecting on two three pointers early in the quarter which extended the lead. Senior Taylor Covington added three points in the quarter and Grady knocked down a three as well. The Rocks entered halftime on a 25-0 run, holding the Celtics scoreless during the second period. Coffman boasted a 31-6 lead entering halftime. 

The Rocks picked up right where they left off in the third with a bucket by Kopyar. Junior Lisa Kuhlman finally halted the Coffman run and gave the Celtics their first points in over a quarter and a half. The Rocks finished the third quarter on a 16-0 and went into the final frame with a 49-11 lead. 

Both benches cleared in the fourth quarter giving everyone a glimpse at the up and coming talent in each program. Sophomore Ava Collins scored seven points in the quarter for Coffman to finish out the game. 

Kopyar led the Rocks with 26 points and was supported by Covington with eight, and Grady and Collins with seven each. Dupote-Fosnot, Conley and senior Maria Holscher added five points each for the Celtics. 

Let’s take a look at Monday’s top performers.

Jenna Kopyar (5’11 G / Dublin Coffman / 2023) - Kopyar is by far one of the best guards in the city if not the state and region. Monday she scored in nearly every way imaginable; at the rim with both left and right hands and consistently from three. She is a great defender with solid lateral quickness. She is a winner and a playmaker who is constantly in on the action. It doesn't matter if it's a close game or a blowout, Kopyar will give you everything she has and then some.

Taylor Covington (5’7 G / Dublin Coffman / 2022) - Covington, an Indiana Tech signee, is a quiet killer for the Rocks. She is one of their best defenders and a consistent offensive threat. The more we watch her, the more we appreciate her basketball IQ and motor. She might not make the headline nightly but she is a big reason this Coffman team is so successful.

Ava Collins (5’9 G / Dublin Coffman / 2024) - Collins saw a decent amount of time in Monday’s game and we liked what we saw. The sophomore has a nice skill set, can attack the basket, knock down threes and handles the ball well under pressure. She has a lot of potential and has the opportunity to learn from some of the best guards around in Kopyar and Covington. We are excited to see how she develops over the next couple of years.

Kadence Conley (G / Dublin Jerome / 2024) - It is a challenge to evaluate players during a blowout but Conley stood out at times. The sophomore has a strong confidence about her when handling the ball, proved she has the ability to knock down threes and made good decisions on the offensive end. We look forward to seeing more of Conley in the future.