Pressure's On: New Lex overwhelms John Glenn in rout
NEW LEXINGTON — An outright Muskingum Valley League Small School Division title was in New Lexington's grasp.
The Panthers made sure there was no doubt left on Saturday.
John Glenn wilted under the press in the second quarter, as eight Muskie turnovers aided New Lex in a 24-10 stanza, which all but decided a 61-25 victory.
It was the third straight division crown for the Panthers, who finished the regular season 17-5 overall and 14-2 in the MVL.
"We knew it was about our energy. When we came into halftime, we wanted to go out and play with more," Abby Wilson said. "We're not done yet. We're just getting started."
The teams played to a 7-all tie through one quarter before New Lex took control. John Glenn (14-8, 8-8) had three straight turnovers to open the second, while back-to-back 3s by Gracie Newlon and Trinity Cook sparked a 10-0 run. Aubri Spicer scored on the next two possessions to stretch the lead to 17-7.
Mya Oliver ended the surge with a 3 and added a hoop the next time down for the Muskies, while after a Spicer steal and layup, Kylah Morgan made two free throws to keep John Glenn within 19-14 midway through the second.
It was all New Lex from there. Spicer, who had 12 of her game-high 24 in the second quarter, started a 12-3 run with back-to-back baskets, the second off a turnover.
Chloe Dick then grabbed a steal, laid the ball in and converted a three-point play to make it 26-14, while Wilson answered an Emma Dolan 3 with one of her own, and Dick grabbed a steal and found Spicer for a layup before the horn, extending the lead to 31-17 at the half.
Cook credited communication in why the New Lex press worked so well.
"Our communication drives all aspects of our defense," she said. "When we talk, our defense is really good. That was key for us today."
The Panthers put away the game with a 24-3 third quarter that saw them score the first nine points of the stanza.
Dick added 14 points and Kellogg scored eight for New Lex, which opens tournament play on Feb. 16 by hosting Miami Trace.
New Lex coach Jay Chadwell said the focus will be getting healthy and enjoying the experience.
"We know John Glenn is a good team, but the way we came after them shows volumes about our kids. Coach (Gary) Sigman and Coach (Dan) Linscott do a great job with their team," he said. "We grabbed that steal and layup before half to take the momentum into the locker room. We wanted to flex our muscle in the third. Our girls did a great job of putting it away then.
"We wanted to get that third outright title and not worry about what happened elsewhere," he added. "Now, we get a chance to rest for a few days and keep it fun over the next 12 days. I appreciate our girls' effort today."
Oliver finished with eight points and Morgan had six to lead the Muskies, who start tournament play on Feb. 13 by hosting Minerva.
John Glenn reserves won 32-31 behind 13 points from Emmy Babcock and 11 by Addison Paisley. Addison Wycinski led New Lex with eight markers.
bhannahs@gannett.com; @brandonhannahs
This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Pressure's On: New Lex overwhelms John Glenn in rout
