Ottoville wins district championship VAN WERT - Ottoville and Kalida staged a classic battle for the Division IV district championship at Van Wert High School.
The lead changed hands several times in the fourth quarter before the Big Green walked off with a hard-fought 46-45 win before a sold out gymnasium.
The Big Green (23-0) advance to the Springfield Regional Thursday night to play Fort Loramie at 6:15 p.m. Kalida ends the season at 19-4.
Ottoville jumped out to an early lead in this contest as they led 14-8 after one quarter and 28-20 at the break. The Wildcats pulled within five going to the fourth quarter with a 11-8 third quarter scoring advantage.
Kalida outscored the Big Green 14-10 in the fourth quarter as the two teams traded leads late in the contest. In the final minute alone the lead changed hands three times.
A Julia Fuerst three point play tied the game at 45-45 with 45 seconds left. With 13 seconds left, Ottoville's Lauren Kramer was fouled and hit one of two free throws to give her team the lead.
The Wildcats had two chances to claim the win, but couldn't get a shot to fall. After the first miss, Ottoville's Abby Siefker grabbed the rebound, but was tied up for a jumpball and the possession arrow favored Kalida. A second shot attempt by Kalida fell short of the mark.
Tasha Kaufman scored seven points in the fourth quarter for Ottoville as she finished with 18. Lauren Kramer added 10 points.
Julia Fuerst led the Wildcats with 14 points and Emily Turnwald had 12 points.
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