The Princeton Lady Vikings defeated Mason 59-55 in the Regional Semi-Finals on Tuesday, February 28th at Lakota West High School. Princeton improves to 25-2 overall, and will play the winner of Lakota East / Kings on Saturday, March 4th at 7:00 PM.
As would be expected, the game was closely contested with 8 lead changes and 5 number of ties in the third meeting between the two teams.
Mari Gerton scored 10 of her 18 points in the first half to help the Lady Vikings take a 24-22 lead at the break.
Princeton jumped to a 33-24 lead with 3:23 remaining in the third quarter. The Lady Vikings scored 6 points off turnovers and knocked down 5-of-12 field goal attempts.
In the final quarter, both teams combined for 50 points. The Comets put together a 9-3 scoring run to cut into the deficit. During the final minutes of play, La'Sonja Hill knocked down a big three-pointer in the corner to extend the lead to a two possession game.
Down the stretch, Princeton was excellent from the free throw line. The Lady Vikings were 11-of-14 in the fourth quarter, and finished the game 13-of-19.
Solé Williams and Dede Carter-Hartley each scored 11 points. Dede finished with 7 rebounds and Williams had 5 rebounds and 2 steals.
Kali Fortson was a force in the post. She scored 10 points and grabbed down a game-high 9 rebounds.
Princeton's defense forced 12 turnovers and recorded 5 steals in the win.
The Regional Finals will be played on Saturday, March 4th at 7:00 PM. Tickets are available online by visiting www.ohsaa.org/tickets.
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