Massillon, Ohio - On Tuesday, Walsh Jesuit and Riverside were facing off in a Division 1 District semi-final game in Massillon. Riverside was 20-3 entering the game while Walsh Jesuit came in at 17-5.
In the regular season Riverside ended on a 14 game winning streak while Walsh Jesuit finished on a three game wins streak.
For most of the first quarter, the game was very close. Both sides played tremendous offense, while the not putting up much defense. The quarter ended with a one possession lead.
To start the second, it was more of the same. Both sides were pounding the ball inside, getting easy looks. The game was tied 21-21 at the half.
To start the third quarter, both sides slowed down on offense taking more time each possession. Riverside got to the free throw line a bit more than the first two periods, which was a good sign to see for their head coach.
Savanah Laurenty got a nice euro-step to fall for Riverside, and they tied the game up. However, Cesily Sutton took the lead for Walsh Jesuit with a 3-pointer. The score at the end of the third was 31-28 in favor of Walsh Jesuit.
Both sides hit 3-pointers to start their first possession of the last period, starting the quarter off well. Walsh made their first five shots in a row trying to seal the game.
Walsh’s game plan seemed to be paint oriented, getting six points in a row off of layups. However, they also were killing Riverside from behind the arc as well.
Halfway through the quarter, Walsh Jesuit had a double digit lead as they looked to put the game away. The final score was 50-40 as Walsh Jesuit moves on.
Cesily Sutton led the way with 18 points for Walsh Jesuit while Savanah Laurenty had 15 for Riverside.
Walsh advances to the District Final on Friday to take on #2 Canton McKinley.