WESTERVILLE, Ohio -- Gahanna Lincoln and Westerville South met in the first game of the Phil Brown Classic at Otterbein Monday afternoon. The Lions tough defense and balanced scoring pushed them to a 60-48 victory over the Wildcats. 

Gahanna Lincoln jumped out to an early 8-2 lead before Westerville South started clicking offensively. A basket late in the quarter by junior Leila Jones gave the Wildcats their first lead of the game. Junior Laila Marshall scored to regain the lead for the Lions but a bucket by junior Neveah Brownlee would be the difference maker in the quarter. She gave South a 13-12 lead heading into the second quarter. 

Lincoln came out of the break on fire, scoring seven straight points capped by a Marshall three. Junior Nelia Guice answered with a three of her own but Marshall connected again from outside. Junior Tamara Ortiz tied the game at 24 before the Lions started to take over. Gahanna Lincoln scored the last six points of the quarter giving them a 30-24 lead at halftime. 

Junior Clarke Jackson and sophomore Aaliyah Younger carried the offensive burden for the Lions in the third quarter, combining for all 12 points. Lincoln’s tenacious defense held the Wildcats to just eight third quarter points and extended their lead to ten by a score of 42-32 headed into the final frame.

The Wildcats pulled within seven thanks to juniors Nelia Guice and Brownlee and sophomore Zoe Guice. A basket by senior Bella Ward halted the run and kicked off a 9-2 run by the Lions. This proved to be the final nail in the coffin for Westerville South who would get no closer than ten points the rest of the game. 

The Lions featured a balanced scoring attack featuring Jackson with 14, Younger with 13, and Ward and Marshall with 12 each. The Guice sisters led the Wildcats in scoring; Nelia with 14 and Zoe with 12. 

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

Clarke Jackson (5’9 G / Gahanna Lincoln / 2023) - Jackson is so much fun to watch. She is a great athlete with unbelievable capabilities. She snags rebounds out of nowhere, handles the ball smoothly, is a great offensive threat and can defend nearly anyone. Monday, she mainly scored at the rim and free throw line but has the skill set to score from anywhere. She will make a major impact at the next level.

Aaliyah Younger (5’5 G Gahanna Lincoln / 2024) - Younger is as tough as they come. The sophomore maintained a composed mentality despite heavy pressure from South the entire game. She is a great ball handler, facilitates well, and is starting to take advantage of her scoring abilities. Even though she is just a sophomore, Younger is turning into a leader on this Gahanna Lincoln team. She ended the third quarter with a three and started the fourth with a bucket to give the Lions a 14 point lead. 

Kya Jordan (5’5 G / Gahanna Lincoln / 2024) - Jordan had an all around great game Monday afternoon. She handled the ball with poise when needed, defended incredibly well, and scored when her number was called. She stepped up in the second half, knocking down a three and a two late in the game. Jordan is a great facilitator and is passing the ball well. We are excited to see the duo of Younger and Jordan develop over the next couple of years.

Nelia Guice (5’8 G / Westerville South / 2023) - Nelia Guice was the most consistent offensive threat for the Wildcats on Monday and she played about every role imaginable. She is a great rebounder, attacked the basket and finished through contact, delivered from three and forced turnovers on defense. She, along with her sister Zoe, bring a lot of intensity and fire to Westerville South.

Zoe Guice (5’6 G / Westerville South / 2024) - We say this every time we see her, but the younger Guice is the most energetic player on the floor for the Wildcats. Her energy is contagious and is beneficial on the defensive end of the floor. She is a great defender and is really starting to play well offensively. Guice has a smooth shot from three, can attack the basket off the dribble and is not afraid of contact. She has grown her game tremendously in the last year and we are excited for the trajectory she is on.