CRESTON — Ninth-ranked Loudonville’s state tournament goal remained on course Wednesday night as the Redbirds cruised throughout a convincing district semifinal performance.
The ‘Birds buried Lowellville 65-19 at Norwayne High School in a Division IV tournament test.
The top-seeded Redbirds (23-2) rolled to a 19-3 first-quarter lead and expanded the gap to 41-12 at halftime. The spread reached 55-16 at the end of the third period as the running clock was triggered. Coach Tyler Bates’ bunch coasted home with a 10-1 scoring edge in the final eight minutes.
Senior Corri Vermilya, a Ms. Basketball candidate, led the way with 25 points and 17 rebounds. Freshman Mya Vermilya chipped in 17 points, while Sophia Spangler contributed 12 points.
Loudonville’s press was simply too much for the 15th-seeded Rockets, who struggled to find any offensive rhythm.
The ninth-ranked Redbirds return to action Saturday in the district title tilt against Mogadore. The ninth-seeded Wildcats (13-11) reached the championship game by stunning No. 6-seed Salineville Southern 51-41.
Lowellville finished the season with an 11-14 record.