Photo by Kim North
In a thrilling game at Tolbert Gymnasium, Martins Ferry’s Lindsey Best took charge, especially in the fourth quarter. She scored 11 of her game-high 23 points then, leading her team to a 51-40 victory over Indian Creek.
Martins Ferry managed to turn the game around after a sluggish middle. Their full-court trapping defense worked wonders, forcing crucial turnovers. Best’s ability to score when it mattered most stood out, and her coach, Dave Reasbeck, highlighted that her efforts were part of a team effort.
The first quarter saw Martins Ferry start strong, hitting 7 of 10 shots and leading 14-7. But as the game progressed, they struggled to maintain that rhythm. Indian Creek fought back and even took a 37-36 lead into the fourth quarter.
“We had a good start but then lost focus,” Reasbeck said. “This was our fourth game in five nights, which might have affected us.”
The fourth quarter brought the excitement. The lead exchanged hands several times before Best hit a big three-pointer to pull ahead. Her late free throws and teammates’ contributions sealed the win.
Martins Ferry’s successful fourth quarter was a comeback against a challenging competitor. Alivia Reese, Giana Chirpas, and Maddie Lucas also made vital contributions to the game. Lucas led on rebounds, securing nine, while Chirpas and Sidon also provided crucial points.
On the Indian Creek side, McKenna Scott led her team with 15 points, but the rest of the team struggled to find consistent scoring. They noted that their turnovers, particularly in the tense fourth quarter, hindered their performance.
Overall, the game was a showcase of determination and teamwork, with Martins Ferry showcasing their potential in the fourth quarter when it counted the most.