When Bridgeport and Lincoln square off this evening in the Class AA Region II, Section 2 title game in Shinnston, it’s not walking away with the trophy that’s the big thing for the winner. For first-year Indians Coach Paul Ayers, it’s something more important that.

 

Even though Ayers and his team wouldn’t mind hoisting the trophy and know that even a loss doesn’t end the season, a win is first and foremost in their mind for one key reason – regional home court advantage.

 

“The first thing we talked about was the understanding of regional qualification, but explained the aspect of traveling with a runner-up finish or hosting the regional game with a sectional championship,” said Ayers. “I've been around long enough to know what an advantage it is to play at home as opposed to having to travel that long distance. Certainly not impossible, but a few more challenges to overcome.”

 

One challenge is overcoming the mental obstacle of blowing a late fourth quarter lead to Lincoln the last time these two teams hooked up. Not only did Bridgeport give up a late lead in the fourth period, but they also gave up the lead in overtime in what turned out to be a 59-57 setback. Ayers is hoping there will be more good than bad as a result of the hard-to-swallow setback

 

“That tough loss at Lincoln may have been somewhat of a blessing in disguise,” said Ayers of what the team did following the loss and the downtime after that. “(It allowed) the girls and myself proper time to watch and evaluate the film; simply get away from things for a while and more importantly to turn the page on it and not make it more than it was - one loss.”

 

Bridgeport did earn a regular season split with the Cougars. In December, the Tribe rolled to a 52-36 win at home.

 

Tonight, Ayers said he’s once again leaning toward starting a big lineup, which consists of Quinn Stalnaker, Gianina Renzelli, Hannah Fetty, Mychaela Antill and Hope Chalfant. He said there’s a chance the Indians will go with a guard in place of Antill. If that happens, Ayers said Halie Hardman will get the start.

 

As for Lincoln, he said the key is containing two standouts – Gracey Lamm and Hope Bray. Both figured prominently in the Cougars’ previous win.

 

“Everybody knows that their offense goes through Gracey Lamm and Hope Bray, who are outstanding players; but in last night's game vs. Grafton, other players stepped up when they needed to – Josie Payton, Megan Earnest and Maddison Jefferies,” said Ayers. “We need to be aware of Lamm and Bray at all times defensively, limit our turnovers against their pressure and be patient and efficient on the offensive end of the floor.  We also need to establish our interior offensively with Quinn, Hannah and Mychaela.  Our guards need to be smart but aggressive with the ball and knock down shots when they are available.” 

 

Game time in Shinnston is set for 7 p.m.

 

Editor's Note: Photos by Tyler Maxwell of www.benqueenphotography.com.