GIRLS BASKETBALL Springfield remains unbeaten

Lindsay Johnson led the Tigers with 22 points and 10 rebounds.
By RYAN JONES
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
COLUMBIANA -- The Springfield High girls basketball team kept its perfect season alive Monday by toppling previously-undefeated Columbiana, 61-49 .
In a game that was close throughout, the Tigers rode the strength of a 16-0 run in the second half to propel them to victory.
Springfield jumped out to a 12-6 lead by converting on their first six shots from the field.
Junior forward Lindsay Johnson mirrored the action of the team, connecting on all four of her first quarter shots.
"We have come out a few times now ready to play, making our shots and getting ahead only to let the other team right back in the game," Springfield coach Sandi Kohler said. "We did that again tonight."
Clippers rebound
Columbiana answered promptly with three consecutive hoops to tie the contest at 12. Cara Hardenbrook of Columbiana tied the score again at 17 by connecting twice from the line to end the first period.
The game turned sloppy in the second quarter, with both teams combining for 16 turnovers.
Johnson scored seven more points in the period, allowing Springfield to take a 28-26 lead into the break.
"I don't think she [Johnson] gets the credit she deserves," Kohler said. "She is a really good player and has been averaging a double-double for us all year."
Turning point
Down 36-33, Springfield closed the third quarter on a 9-0 run, as two Clipper starters found foul trouble. Carly Washinko picked up her fourth foul in the period, and Hardenbrook was given a technical foul.
"That took us out of our game when she [Washinko] got into foul trouble," Columbiana coach DeWayne Johnson said. "We can't afford to have Carly out. She has to be in there for us to be successful.
"Cara [Hardenbrook] picked up her third and fourth fouls as well, and during that spurt when both players were out, they [Springfield] went on a big run, which really hurt us," Johnson said.
The Tigers opened the fourth by adding to their 9-0 run that closed the third quarter, by scoring the first seven points of the frame, pushing the lead to 49-36.
Sarah Fannon's second 3-pointer of the quarter gave Springfield a 52-38 advantage, one it wouldn't relinquish.
"Once we had them in foul trouble, we tried to get the ball inside to Johnson. And by moving Sarah to her [Johnson's] side of the floor once they sagged, we kicked the ball out to Sarah and she hit some big shots for us," Kohler said.
Johnson had 22 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Tigers. Carrie Davis added 12 points and 10 rebounds. Angelina Fiumara chipped in with 12 points.
Columbiana was led by Washinko with 15 points. Hardenbrook added 10 points and Whitney Goist dished out six assists.