In a game that’s been hyped up then delayed due to the extreme cold weather. The game lived up to all of the hype and then some. Africentric came in without Nyam Thornton who was out injuried into one of the toughest places to play in all of Central Ohio. It was as advertised with all of the stars showing up on both sides. There were tons of lead changes but a cleanly played game with very few fouls called in the first half on either team. At the half Africentric held a slim 2 point lead after Newark scored the first 4 points of the game. Africentric played great defense on Newark’s shooters all night. Newark only shot 3-14 from 3 in the first half. They were able to get inside and find easy looks in the paint. The second half was as intense of a game as I’ve seen played all season. The game was close with Africentric holding the biggest lead at 5 before Newark went on a run to gain a 3-point lead before Jordan Horston took over the game as she has done all season. Horston got a 3-point play then a key 3-pointer by alexia Smith to give Africentric the lead. Then at the end of the 4th with Newark down 3 Katie shumate hit a clutch three pointer to tie the game up with 17 seconds left. This was just too much time left for Africentric and they were able to get a good look but missed. The story of the last possession and the entire game was rebounding as Alexia Smith was able to corral the rebound and put it back in. Newark had one last chance to tie but turned it over and that’s how the game ended with Africentric running out the clock. With the win Africentric stays perfect at 19-0 as they play in the City League Championship game on Saturday vs Northland. Africentric also with the win completed the trifecta with wins over four of the top 6 seeds in the upcoming district tournament (Pick central, Newark, Dublin Coffman and Westerville South). With the loss Newark falls to 18-2 and has a quick turnaround as they play Sam Krafty and Olentangy Liberty tonight. Jordan Horston lead Africentric in scoring with 16 points and 13 rebounds also Sakima Walker played a huge role in the game with her play inside with 12 points and 3 rebounds. Newark was led by the 15 points and 13 rebounds of Kent state signee Katie Shumate as well as the 11 points of Miami Redhawk signee Morgan Sharps.
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