The Ada High School girls basketball team faced a narrow defeat against their local rivals, the Allen East Mustangs, in the Division VI Northwest 5 sectional final on February 19, 2024. The Bulldogs lost 41-38 in a closely contested match held in Harrod, Ohio. This hard-fought battle marked the end of a promising season for Ada, which concluded with a record of 12-11.
The game unfolded with both teams exchanging leads, but it was a decisive third quarter that ultimately shifted momentum. The Mustangs scored 13 points to the Bulldogs’ 6, thanks in part to three consecutive three-point shots. After trailing by as many as 12 points in the fourth quarter, Ada mounted a late rally but could not secure the victory.
Ada head coach Zach Ricker expressed pride in his team’s performance throughout the season. “The girls have grown so much since the beginning of the year, and I am proud of each of them,” he said. This season was particularly significant for Ada, marking their first winning record in a decade.
As the game progressed, senior guard Rylie Jordan helped Allen East establish a slight lead in the first quarter, contributing two baskets that pushed the Mustangs to a 9-6 advantage. In response, Ada’s freshman guard Lucy Carter and senior post Anna Conley each scored three points, keeping the game competitive.
Midway through the second quarter, Allen East held an 18-15 lead after baskets from Mustang Harper Friesner. Conley, however, scored three buckets in the second period to help bring Ada closer, and they led 19-18 at halftime thanks to a last-second shot by freshman Tea Griffith.
The second half saw Allen East reclaim the lead early, with senior Brynn Richardson hitting a three-pointer to ignite a 9-0 run. The Mustangs’ momentum continued as Evelyn Lehman added another three-pointer, extending their lead to 29-21.
Despite the mounting pressure, Ada fought back. Griffith led the Bulldogs with a remarkable performance, scoring 16 points overall, with 12 coming in the second half. Her efforts, paired with a late run that brought the score to 39-35 with under a minute remaining, showcased Ada’s resilience.
In the final moments, both teams exchanged free throws, with Ada’s Kenley Poling netting a three-pointer at the buzzer, sealing the defeat at 41-38. Conley concluded her high school career with 11 points, while Poling added six points, including two critical three-pointers. This match also marked the last game for senior player Ashley Hevlin, who has been a vital part of the program.
On the other side, Lehman led Allen East with 15 points, particularly shining in the fourth quarter with nine of those points. The Mustangs improved their record to 12-11 with this victory and will advance to the district semifinals, where they are set to face Riverdale on February 25, 2024, at Lima Senior High School.
Both teams showed remarkable skill and determination, reflecting the competitive spirit of local high school basketball. As Ada looks to the future, the return of four starters and three promising freshmen offers hope for continued improvement in the coming seasons.
