DUBLIN, Ohio -- Dublin Scioto and Hilliard Darby met in a Tuesday night OCC cross-divisional matchup. The poised fourth quarter free throw shooting of the Irish landed them a 42-40 victory that went down to the wire. 

The first quarter was a three point shooting contest for both teams who combined for a total of five makes from deep. After a back and forth quarter, Scioto ended on a 5-0 run to take a three point lead headed into the second quarter by a score of 13-10.

The second period was equally competitive and the three pointer played a significant role. Senior Lexi Goff hit a three to start the quarter and tie the game for the Panthers. Towards the end of the frame, sophomore Payten Bruns converted from three to cut the Irish lead. This was closely followed by a four point play by Irish senior Tiffany Trinh and a three from Panther senior Tayen Brown. Scioto entered halftime with a 23-21 lead. 

The Irish dominated the third quarter thanks to offensive production from senior Trinity Johnson. Junior Ashley Powers kept the Panthers in the game with seven points in the quarter, including a layup to cut the Irish lead to just four points heading into the final frame. 

A three by Brown immediately cut the Scioto lead to just one point. The game saw six lead changes after this early basket. Late in the quarter, Trinh executed a flawless crossover to lose her defender and knocked down a midrange jumper to give the Irish a one point lead. Bruns drained two free throws to take back the lead for the Panthers for a short time. With ice in her veins, senior Avery Samms sank two free throws to give the Irish the lead for good. 

Darby had a chance to take the lead but senior Mia Treboni-Hogan took a major charge that gave the ball back to Scioto. Trinh converted on one of two free throws to give the Irish a two point lead and Darby maintained possession with 16 seconds left. The intense defense of the Irish prevented the Panthers from getting a shot off to tie or win the game. 

Scioto was led by Trinh with 13, Samms with 11 and Johnson with 10. In the loss, Powers led the Panthers with 13 and was supported by Brown with 12. 

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

Trinity Trinh (5’2 G / Dublin Scioto / 2022) - We love Trinh’s game. She has some unbelievable speed and can handle the ball very well at her top speed. She was the most consistent offensive threat for Scioto Tuesday. She knocked down some major three pointers, had an ankle breaking crossover for a midrange bucket in crunch time and made a free throw to extend the lead to two at the end of the game. Trinh is a fighter and wants to win.

Tayen Brown (5’8 G / Hilliard Darby/ 2022) - This was our first chance to see Brown and we were impressed. She did just a little bit of everything offensively for Darby. Attacked the basket well, connected from three several times and set her teammates up for good looks. She is a decent defender and has a nose for the ball.

Avery Samms (5’7 G / Dublin Scioto / 2022) - Samms was a difference maker for Scioto Tuesday night. She connected on two threes in the first quarter that pushed the Irish to a three point lead. She knocked down another in the second half to extend their lead. She was a consistent offensive threat and played with energy. She converted two free throws late in the fourth to give Scioto the lead for good.

Alex Rothe (6’2 C / Dublin Scioto / 2024) - We are very interested to see how Rothe will develop over the next couple of years. She is LONG. She has game changing shot blocking and rebounding abilities. Rothe struggles to finish strong at the rim but has potential. She could be one of the best players around if she can start connecting at the basket.

Ashley Powers (5’10 F / Hilliard Darby / 2023) - Powers is an absolute workhorse with an insane motor. The junior was one of the main reasons Darby was able to cut the lead and be competitive in the fourth quarter. She is a consistent rebounder, attacks well and finishes at the rim. She also has the ability to stretch the floor a bit. We were most impressed by her work ethic and consistency.