The Wadsworth Lady Grizzlies, 2016 Division One State Basketball Champions.
It sounds so nice you have to say it twice.
Laurel Palitto, one of the three seniors on the team, said ‘it’s a great way to end a high school career with a state championship”. Senior Jenna Johnson added ‘all the hard work finally paid off”.
Wadsworth defeated Mason High School 60-51 to capture their first state championship since 1997. The Lady Grizzlies end the season with a record of 28-1. In winning the championship, the Grizzlies avenged their only loss of the season. Mason beat Wadsworth 41-30 at the Classic in the Country in mid-January.
The Lady Grizzlies came out on fire in the first half. Putting together quarters of 16-14, Wadsworth had a 30-14 lead over the Lady Comets. The Lady Grizzlies held Mason to less than 30% from the field.
But, you had a feeling that Mason would put up a fight in the second half. And they did. The Lady Comets stepped up the tempo, and went to a three-quarter court press that Wadsworth had problems figuring out. The Lady Grizzlies had the lead at the end of three quarters, but it was down to 7 points at 37-30.
The Lady Comets were able to close the lead down to three points on three separate occasions. The last time was at 53-50 with 2:14 remaining. Wadsworth sank 7 of 8 free throws down the stretch to ice the game.
It was the co-player of the year in Division One, senior Jodi Johnson, who led the way for the Lady Grizzlies with 28 points. Jodi was 8 of 12 from the field, 2 of 3 behind the arc and sank 10 of 11 free throws.
Peyton Banks added 8 points and Sophia Fortner had 6 points. Wadsworth sank 24 of 27 free throws in the game.
Jodi Johnson said on Friday night that the team took a business trip to Columbus to win a state championship.
Mission Accomplished.
