GIRLS BASKETBALL Columbiana tops Crestview for 11th win

The Clippers took over first place in the TCL standings with the 70-60 win.
By JOHN BUTERA
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
COLUMBIANA -- Balanced scoring and quick starts in the first three periods were the keys to victory Friday as the Columbiana High girls basketball team edged Crestview, 70-60.
The wins gives the Clippers (11-1 overall) sole possession of first place of the Tri-County League with a 6-0 mark. Crestview (10-2) falls to 5-1 in league play.
While Crestview started with 0-for-6 shooting, Columbiana built an early lead of 10-1.
"It was huge that we got the big start," Clippers coach Wayne Johnson. "We don't often start out that way. I think we're getting better at coming out ready to play."
Crestview's Bri Phillis, who scored 23 points, responded by fueling a 7-0 run.
Ahead 14-13 to begin the second quarter, the Clippers showed good team work, getting baskets from three different players to go out 21-13.
"We needed that big start because Crestview is such a good team," said Lisa Simon who led the Clippers with 20 markers and 11 caroms.
Rebels shot poorly
Crestview again dug itself a hole by going 0-for-5, but the Rebels stayed close by getting into bonus free throws at 4:40 and the double bonus at 2:27.
At halftime, the Clippers led 34-28 but the Rebels enjoyed a 10-3 advantage in fouls and had meshed 10 of 13 free throws.
Phillis was doing the layman's share of the damage, netting 12 points, including 6-for-6 shooting from the line. The Clippers were 3-for-5 at the line.
Crestview again started poorly in the second half, missing six shots while Columbiana posted a 9-2 run. Simon's 15th point gave the Clippers their biggest lead, 50-35.
"With every shot we hit, it was like a snowball effect, giving us more momentum," said Stacie Cross who netted 19 points, including four 3-pointers.
"One of our goals this year was to win the third quarter and we did that tonight 19-16," Simon said. "Last year, we won only one third quarter."
Crestview battles back
The Rebels found the range in the final quarter, pulling to within four points with 5:41 to go on a Phillis basket.
But the Rebels did not score again until 49 seconds remained. An 8-0 run sealed the Columbiana win.
Columbiana's Carly Washinko dished out seven assists to go with 13 points.
Katie Kibby led the Rebels with 16 points and seven rebounds.