Waterford’s Madi Hiener (22) makes a move with the ball as Buckeye Central’s Kate Siesel (2) defends during Friday’s Division IV state semifinal in Dayton. Waterford won, 53-39. (Photo by Jordan Holland) DAYTON, Ohio –Down nine at the 4:58 mark in the third quarter of Friday’s Division IV state semifinal against Buckeye Central, Waterford went back to its bread and butter. Head coach Jerry Close dialed up their full-court, man-to-man press defense, and the Wildcats (25-3) responded with 19 straight points to turn a 28-19 deficit into a 38-28 lead. The Bucks (25-2) never recovered from that spurt, as Waterford went on to win 53-39 and earn a spot in Saturday’s state championship game. Tip-off is set for 5:15 p.m. against New Knoxville, 38-29 winners over Cincinnati Country Day Friday. “That energized them,” Close said of the defensive adjustment. “That’s the way these girls like to play. “That third quarter,…
Continue Reading: Waterford rallies past Buckeye Central in second half to clinch spot in Ohio state championship
