Second-quarter flop, flipped for big finish

OBERLIN TWP – It must’ve been something Firelands coach Dave Kudela said at halftime. His team trailed Lake Ridge Academy 24-16 after scoring just five points in the second quarter. They slowly returned the favor in the third before capping off the game with an exclamation – good for a 50-47 win on their home court.

The Falcons outscored the Royals 23-16 in the final frame.

One thing that jumps out of the box score in this game – 69 total rebounds on 117 combined shot attempts (only 43 made) – yet Lake Ridge never attempted a free throw.

Four players finished in double figures for Firelands, led by Payton Phillips double-double (11 points, 10 rebounds – she also added three steals. Madison Sutton was also good for 11 points, with six rebounds. Emily Stewart and Abby Schmitz added 10 apiece.

Firelands has now won two straight at home after dropping a tough one on the road to Edison. They’ll go for a third when they host Keystone on Wednesday.