Jackson-Milton rally stuns Columbiana

March 5, 2015 at 12:00a.m.

MINERAL RIDGE

Izzy Scarl, the only senior on the Jackson-Milton High girls basketball team, calls this season a dream come true.

It became even better Wednesday when the Bluejays (18-7) rallied from an eight-point deficit at halftime to stun Columbiana, 51-42, in the Division IV district semifinal at Mineral Ridge High School.

“We all had the mentality that we’re not giving up,” Scarl said of the turnaround. “That’s what I love about my team — [age] doesn’t matter.”

Olivia Wolfe is a junior, the Totani twins (Ashley and Kaitlyn) are sophomores, and Michaelina Terranova, who led with 17 points, is a freshman.

The Bluejays will play Western Reserve (19-6) for the district title Saturday.

“It’s really amazing, a first experience for me,” Scarl said. “I look forward to it, Today, I looked forward to this game, that’s all I ever think about.”

Head coach Pat Keney said he doesn’t know the last time Jackson-Milton played in the district final.

“It’s been a while,” Keney said. “I’m fired up.”

The Clippers (20-5) were hoping to advance a second district final against Western Reserve. Although they scored just one basket in the second quarter, they made nine free throws and the Bluejays were in foul trouble with the Clippers cruising, 24-16.

The Bluejays stormed onto the court for the second half, outscoring the Clippers 22-8 in the third quarter.

Senior Baylie Mook, who led Columbiana with 15 points and three rebounds, said bad defense led to the collapse.

“We decided to take a backseat and lay off,” Mook said.

Terranova, Wolfe and Kaitlyn Totani finished with four fouls. Terranova, who scored 11 points in the second half, had to sit for almost three minutes.

“Anxiety started to build up,” Terranova said of her impatience. “I just wanted a second chance.”

Early in the fourth quarter, Mook hit a jump shot to slice the lead to 40-37. The Clippers got no closer as Scarl and Wolfe responded with baskets.

Wolfe and Ashley Totani each scored 10 points while Scarl had eight. Wolfe pulled down nine rebounds.

Emily Witmer scored 13 points for the Clippers.

Mook said she’ll miss playing for Coach Ron Moschella.

“It’s been amazing,” Mook said. “I would not be talking about how well we’ve done without him. I enjoyed every second [of playing for Moschella].”

Scarl already can’t wait for Saturday’s game.

“It means everything, it’s great that it’s a district championship,” Scarl said. “It’s great that it’s our [top] rival and we get another shot at them. ”

In the first game, Scarl said the Bluejays led until the fourth quarter.

“Then we kind of fell apart,” Scarl said. “We know what we’ve got to fix.”