By Cort Reynolds

BLUFFTON__The Bluffton High School girls basketball team outscored visiting non-conference rival Elida by 14 in the second half to pave the way for a 49-37 win Tuesday evening, January 16.

The Pirate girls trailed 20-18 at halftime, but seized a 31-25 after a 13-5 third period. Macy Schaadt canned two key triples in the turnaround stanza.

Schaadt tallied six more points in the fourth period as Bluffton won the final quarter, 18-12. Ayla Grandey added four of her game-high 16 points in the final period.

The Pirate duo combined for 30 points as Schaadt netted 12 of her 14 markers after intermission.

The Pirates improved to 6-7 with the win, while the Bulldog girls dropped to 3-11 after the loss.  

“I thought we handled their halfcourt defensive pressure good,” said first-year Bluffton head coach Adam Burris. “All nine girls that got in did a great job in their roles.

“Everyone contributed and we stayed fresh, and that was proven on the defensive end,” he continued. “We had numerous deflections that led to steals. I was impressed (with) how we all responded from the last two losses.”

Pirate sophomore Blair Utendorf added eight points. Junior post Grandey sank eight of nine foul shots and made four two-point goals. 

Jojo Knight and Emma Mitchell led Elida with 10 points apiece.

The Pirates sank 13 two-point goals and drained a pair of treys. They connected on 17 of their 23 free throws (74 percent).

Elida canned just eight deuces and hit four trifectas. The Bulldogs converted nine of 14 foul shots (64 percent).

Bluffton (1-2 NWC) returns to league play Thursday at last-place but dangerous Leipsic (6-7, 0-4 NWC). The Viking home game vs. Cory-Rawson was postponed Tuesday night.

“It is going to be a tough game for us, we have to be able to handle their pressure and physicality,” said Burris of Leipsic. “We can’t lose where their best player (Ava Henry) is, she is a great shooter so we always have to know where she is at.

“If we can play at our pace, then we have a shot to win,” he added.

Elida 37 (3-11)

Bluffton 49 (6-7)