Pennsylvania High School Basketball - Apollo Ridge nipped by Ford City
December 22, 2008: Ford City, PA 16226 The Ford City Sabers tipped the visiting Apollo Ridge Vikings basketball team by a final score of 46-44 in Monday's league game.
In their next game, the Sabers face the Valley Vikings (New Kensington, PA) in a non-league game, on Tuesday, December 23. Ford City will attempt to move on its 8-0 season record. The Vikings enter the game with a 1-6 record after their 76-36 league loss to Highlands (Natrona Heights, PA).
With the defeat, Apollo Ridge moves to 7-1 on the year. The Vikings host Elderton (Elderton, PA) to face the Bobcats in a WPIAL AA 1 game on Monday, January 5. The Bobcats enter the game with a record of 0-7. Elderton lost 58-41 in their recent league game against Deer Lakes (Russellton, PA)
First Quarter
Wolfe opened the game on fire as well. She scored eight points in the first quarter, and Ford City used a 12-0 run to take an 18-8 lead after the opening period.
But just when it seemed like Ford City was on its way to another blowout, Apollo-Ridge went on a run of its own. A 14-2 stretch pulled the Vikings (7-1, 3-1) to within one point of the Sabers, but a 3-pointer from Wolfe put Ford City ahead at halftime, 23-19.
Apollo-Ridge’s improved play continued into the second half, as the Vikings’ zone defense cooled off Ford City’s shooters and forced 26 turnovers. Apollo-Ridge outscored Ford City, 11-6, in the third quarter and took a 30-29 lead into the final quarter.
What made the Vikings’ turnaround from the poor first quarter more impressive was the fact that they were playing with just eight players, after injuries and illnesses had depleted their bench.
Second Quarter
Hannah Shaffer paced Apollo-Ridge with 19 points and created many of the turnovers that helped the Vikings get as close as anyone has to defeating the Sabers this season.
“That’s a positive sign, that we got down on the road and we were able to bounce back and have a shot to win the game,” Apollo-Ridge coach Ray Bartha said.
Ford City’s offense found life again the fourth quarter, but Apollo-Ridge kept pace with the Sabers. A free throw from Shaffer tied the game at 44 with a minute left.
Third Quarter
Ford City caught a big break when Apollo-Ridge’s Ellen Reilly was called for a travel with 34 seconds left. Then, on the ensuing Sabers possession, Panchik drew a foul from Reilly to set up her winning free throws.
Apollo-Ridge had a chance to tie the game, as Brianna Laird put up an open layup in the game’s waning seconds. The shot never hit the rim, though, and Ford City’s Krystal Dudas collected the rebound to seal the victory.
