McDonald's streak hits 11

The Blue Devils remained unbeaten with a 61-47 win over Springfield.
By RYAN JONES
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW MIDDLETOWN -- Against previously-undefeated McDonald, the Springfield High girls basketball team kept it close in the first half.
But the Tigers were unable to withstand a third-quarter 15-3 run by their Inter-County League rival. That stretch propelled the Blue Devils to a 61-47 triumph.
McDonald remains perfect with an 11-0 record and a 5-0 mark in the ICL. The Blue Devils' last undefeated regular season came during the 1993-94 campaign.
As impressive as the start is, coach Rob Hilbun says going undefeated is not the team's main goal.
"We want to go out and play the best basketball we can," Hilbun said. "If we reach our full potential and happen to go undefeated, then that's great.
"I think if we go out and play our best, we will find success and win a lot of games along the way," Hilbun said.
McDonald spurts in third
McDonald held a 25-20 advantage going into halftime, but erupted for 24 points in the third period.
The Blue Devils closed the frame on a 15-3 run to increase the lead 49-32.
Springfield (5-5, 3-2) had many good scoring opportunities in the period, but missed several "bunnies" inside.
"That's been our season so far," Springfield coach Sandi Kohler said. "We play with a ton of heart and intensity, but have a hard time getting the ball into the basket.
"We got some steals and had good looks at the hoop but came up empty," Kohler said.
Three McDonald starters accounted for 51 of the Blue Devils' 61 points.
Dolsak fires in 25
Senior Amy Dolsak led the way with 25 points; Ashleigh Tondo added 15 and Emily Dolsak had 11.
On Monday, the big three combined to score 59 points in an 80-38 victory over Western Reserve.
"It's a very good feeling to know you have three players of their caliber on your team," Hilbun said. "Whenever we need a big bucket, we can go to any one of those three and be successful."
In addition to her scoring, Tondo, a four year starter, dished out a game-high 10 assists for her second double-double in as many games.
"Ashleigh is a double-threat," Hilbun said. "She's not just a scorer; she's a passer too. When teams try to take away her offense, she finds the open people and that really makes us go."
McDonald faced full court pressure from the Tigers throughout the contest.
"We really try to get the ball to Amy [Dolsak] in the middle when we face pressure like that," Hilbun said. "She's a great ball handler for her size and is able to attack once she gets it in the middle."
Christy Warren scored 11 points to lead Springfield and Samantha Cavalier added nine.
Springfield held it's largest lead, 8-4, with about 5:30 left in the first period.