United in defeat: Eagles put positive spin on loss

By Joe Scalzo

Smithville junior Jenna Pew had 18 points and 20 rebounds to help her team defeat United 49-40 in a Division III regional semifinal.

CUYAHOGA FALLS — Twenty minutes after Wednesday’s game, with the pain still fresh and her eyes still a little watery, United’s 5-foot-5 senior guard, Maggie Miller, took a step back and reflected on far her team had come, rather than dwelling on where it wasn’t going to go.

“Regardless of this outcome, I’m extremely proud of my team and my girls,” said Miller, whose Eagles fell to No. 3-ranked Smithville 49-40 in a Division III regional semifinal at Cuyahoga Falls High School. “I mean, look, nobody expected us to be here.

“It’s just such an honor we get to be here. I’m so proud of these girls and how much time and commitment they’ve put in.”

As a freshman three years ago, Miller sat through a 7-15 season. Then Roger Zeigler was hired, the Eagles went 15-7 her sophomore year and she spent her final three years battling for (and, this year, winning) the Inter Tri-County League Tier One title.

“We’ve done so well,” she said. “We put in so much extra time this summer, in the weight room and on the court.

“Coach demands a lot. If you’re willing to give that, this is how far it gets you.”

Ultimately, United (22-2), playing in its first regional game since 1980, couldn’t overcome a monster game from Smithville junior Jenna Pew (18 points, 20 rebounds) and a rough night at the free throw line (12 of 27).

“Before you ask, yes, free throws got us,” said Zeigler, who had spent the past few weeks trying to help the team improve while not dwelling too much on their struggles. “But I’m very proud of the way they played.

“I told them, ‘You played a 25-0 team ranked No. 3 in the state and you weren’t ranked. Nobody knew who United was. And you played them tough.’

“They have big hearts and they never quit.”

The two teams went back and forth in the first half — United trailed by just three at halftime — and the Eagles seemed energized by the big stage and their big crowd, which featured a huge student section decked out in white shirts, painted faces and, curiously, caution tape for headbands.

“The fans, look at the excitement,” said Zeigler, who also praised his assistant coaches. “It’s been that way the last three or four weeks.

“It’s just unbelievable what’s happened down in United.”

Eventually, the free throw disparity took its toll. Through three quarters, Smithville was 12 of 12 from the line, while United was 5 of 15. Considering the Eagles trailed by 10 (38-28) at that point, it wasn’t hard to figure out what went wrong.

“Free throws can make or break a game,” Miller said. “They were a vital part [tonight].

“I don’t know what was going on. Our focus was there.”

Senior Maggie Sell scored nine points with six rebounds for the Eagles, who never got closer than eight points in the fourth.

Smithville coach Mike Miller switched to a diamond-and-one defense in the second half to stop Sell and the approach worked.

“We had a lot of respect for her as a player,” said Miller, who hadn’t played that defense all season. “They’re 22-1, so I knew they’ve gotta be good.

“I knew they were gonna battle to the end.”

Senior Katie Frizell added 11 points for Smithville, which advanced to play state power South Euclid Regina in the regional final. Regina defeated Gates Mills Gilmour Academy 51-33 in the other semifinal.

Hillary Hoppel added nine points for United, which won a the district title with a dramatic comeback victory over Ursuline last weekend.

Afterward, when asked what he’ll take away from this season, Zeigler pointed to his team.

“I hope they take away what can happen if you get a group of young ladies who are willing to put time in, work hard, set goals and have big hearts, knowing this can happen,” he said. “The young kids coming into this program need to know that if you work hard and you dedicate yourself to your goals, this will happen.”

scalzo@vindy.com