Winton Woods early fourth quarter surge sinks Anthony Wayne takes home division II state title

 

(Daniah Trammell goes up for rebound over Anthony Wayne's Elise Bender. Photo: Chuck Cordes - Ohsfbmedia.com)

DAYTON, Oh--Winton Woods Lady Warriors capped off an undefeated season defeating Anthony Wayne 70-55 in the OHSAA division II state championship.

In the third game of the night fans got a treat watching freshman sensation Strawberry Blankumsee put on a performance from start to finish, the skilled guard got the Warriors going scoring 13 of her 28 for the game in the first quarter.

"It didn't turn out the way we had hoped, doesn't take away from their effort," said Jami Carter.

Winton Woods stifling defense caused Anthony Wayne ball control problems turning over the ball seven times in the first quarter although they would pull close enough to end the quarter down just two points behind shots from Leah Pike and Elise Bender.

(Elise Bender attempts a layup between Winton Woods players. Photo: Chuck Cordes - Ohsfbmedia.com)

Heading into the third quarter the pace would still be in favor of Winton Woods as they would not relinquish lead as Blankumsee would continue to put pressure on the Wayne defense as they were starting to fade, holding Wayne to seven points for the quarter with the Lady Warriors leading 50-34.

"Just proud that the girls finished," said head coach Gray. "There were alot of things we didnt do well in the first half, especially defensively."

The final quarter again belonged to Winton Woods as fatigue would set in for the Generals but would not go down without a fight as the scoring picked up going on a 10-0 run as the Bender sisters, Hill, and Pike would account for the 15 total points in the quarter. 

(Strawberry Blankumsee goes for a score. Photo: Chuck Cordes - Ohsfbmedia.com)

Blankumsee finished with 28 points commanding the night an incredible performance by only a freshman and state title holder.

Villanova commit Elise Bender finished with 26 points and 13 rebounds to end her high school career, "Thought they really pressured us well," said Elise Bender. "They are a really great team."

Elise Bender finished in second place in Ms. Ohio Basketball voting.