Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

PICKERINGTON — It was a basketball game in name, but it seemed more like a wrestling match.

In a game that matched two physical teams, the Pickerington Lady Tigers out-muscled the Ironton Lady Fighting Tigers 38-25 on Saturday.

“They were a very physical team. They’re very solid ball club all the way around,” said Ironton coach Doug Graham.

“We still played good defense. It was a tight game. They scored some points at the end at the foul line and when we were trying to trap.”

Lexie Barrier scored 8 points and Alicia Murphy had 5 points to lead Ironton (11-5).

Taylor Johnson scored 10 points for Pickerington (11-5). Phylicia Johnson and Amari Hawkins added 6 points each.

Pickerington was up 8-6 after the first quarter and was clinging to a 17-14 halftime lead.

Taylor Johnson scored 7 points in the third quarter as Pickerington outscored Ironton 13-5 to pull away to a 30-19 lead.

“We gave up to easy buckets right before the half and then in the third quarter they just kind of took control. This is the kind of game that is only going to make us better,” said Graham.

The Lady Tigers host their Ironton Shootout on Saturday. The Fairland Lady Dragons play Ashland, Ky., at 2 p.m., the Lady Tigers play South Point at 3:45 and the Ironton boys face Akron Buchtel at 5:30.

Ironton 6 8 5 6 = 25

Pickerington 8 9 13 8 = 38

IRONTON (11-5): Lexie Washington 1 0 2-2 4, Lexie Barrier 3 0 2-2 8, Ariel Schweickart 1 0 0-0 2, Alana Martin 0 0 2-5 2, Karlee McMackin 2 0 0-0 4, Alicia Murphy 2 1-2 5, Jordan Hannan 0 0 0-0 0, Saige Fields 0 0 0-0 0, Jordan Leach 0 0 0-0 0. Totals: 9 0 7-11. Fouls: 14. Fouled out: one.

PICKERINGTON (11-5): Katrina Williams 0 0 0-1 0, Aajah Hawkins 2 0 0-1 4, Amari Hawkins 2 0 2-2 6, Taylor Johnson 2 1 3-4 10, Phylicia Johnson 2 0 2-2 6, Kiana Thomas 2 0 0-0 4, Allison Luther 4 0 0-0 8, Sky Mullins 0 0 0-0 0, Chantell Ballard 0 0 0-0 0. Totals: 14 1 7-10 38. Fouls: 13. Fouled out: None.