Marietta Defeats Fort Frye in Twin State League Showdown
Fort Frye’s Kiana O’Brien (23) faces a host of Marietta defenders — Braxton Kroft (23), Jacey McKnight (12), Maddie Hogue (21) and Alyssa Baker (1) — during Monday’s game at Sutton Gymnasium. Marietta defeated Fort Frye, 52-38. (Photo by Aaron Lee)
In an intense showdown between Marietta and Fort Frye in the Twin State League, Marietta emerged victorious with a 52-38 win. Despite a close final score, Marietta remained dominant throughout the game, securing their victory in the closing moments.
Early Action
The scoring began with Fort Frye’s Kasey Lang making a basket, but Marietta quickly responded with a steal by Alyssa Baker, leading to a successful shot after passing with Saylor Wharff. Jacey McKnight extended the Tigers’ lead with a three-pointer, followed by an and-1 from Maddie Hogue.
Kianna O’Brien of Fort Frye managed to prevent Marietta from pulling away by sinking a three-pointer. Both teams exchanged three-pointers towards the end of the first quarter, with Ava Huffman of Fort Frye and McKnight each contributing. The Tigers finished the first quarter with a 19-13 lead.
Marietta Maintains Control
In the second quarter, Marietta started strong with consecutive and-1 plays by Leigha Lauer and Olivia Rinard. Alyssa Baker added to their lead with a successful three-pointer.
Towards the end of the first half, Fort Frye’s Emmie Duskey made back-to-back three-pointers. Lang then executed a steal, passing the ball back to Duskey who made another three-pointer. At halftime, Marietta held a 30-23 advantage.
Marietta’s Olivia Rinard (3) drives baseline against Fort Frye’s Alyssa Duskey) during a high school girls basketball game at Sutton Gymnasium in Marietta. (Photo by Aaron Lee)
O’Brien Shines, but Lauer Seals the Deal
In the third quarter, O’Brien continued her impressive performance, sinking two consecutive three-pointers. Marietta’s Braxtyn Kroft showcased great hustle with a putback on a shot by Lauer. Lauer herself added a basket before the end of the quarter, leaving the Tigers with a 39-32 lead.
In the final quarter, O’Brien nailed another three-pointer for Fort Frye. However, Lauer dominated the period, scoring 10 points with four field goals and two made free throws to secure the victory for Marietta.
Coach’s Perspective
After the game, Tigers head coach Ryan McClain expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, “The girls came back and responded really well after a loss on Saturday (against Steubenville). We kinda challenged ’em on that, and they came back and responded against a really good Fort Frye team. Anytime you beat Fort Frye is a good day. I mean, I tip my cap to them. That’s one team you always gotta come and bring your lunch pail and hardhat with.”
McClain praised the team’s collective effort, highlighting the contributions of Maddie Hogue, who had a strong start, and Leigha Lauer, who carried the team when needed. He emphasized that all 10 players made a meaningful impact, regardless of their playing time.
Next Up
Fort Frye will face the Point Pleasant Big Blacks on Thursday at 7 p.m. in Point Pleasant. Marietta, on the other hand, will host Warren also on Thursday at 7 p.m.
Looking ahead to the matchup against Warren and considering the competitiveness of the Twin State League, McClain commented, “They have probably one of the most special players here in eastern Ohio, and she’s a freshman, Aubrey Pepper. We’re gonna try and figure out a way to neutralize her, and then handle their pressure more, but a heck of a team. Like, the TSL, even though there are four teams, there’s three really good teams in that, and you just tip your cap to all the coaches, because they all do a nice job.”