Sophomore Kristiana Katic scored a career-high 15 points in leading Kirtland to a 50-30 non-conference win over visiting Newton Falls on Saturday.
Katic scored seven first-quarter points to help the Hornets establish an early lead.
“It was really exciting to score 15 points tonight,” Katic said. “It was fun to be such a big contributor tonight because it showed that if we all score, we do very well as a team.”
With the help of her coach, Matt Ridgeway, Katic fine-tuned her game, and the results were immediate.
She’s now more confident that she can contribute on a consistent basis moving forward.
“There were some adjustments that Coach Ridgeway helped me out with this week that helped me execute to score the 15 points in tonight’s game,” she said. “Tonight, I had a great game, and helped me realize what I can accomplish if I visualize my goal.”
Kirtland led 15-10 after the first quarter and then extended that lead to 29-17 at the break.
The Hornets outscored the Tigers in the second half, 19-13.
Emily Ridgeway also scored in double figures with 11 points. Julia Fleming contributed to the win with eight, Kennedy Boyd and Corinne Greenlee both pitched in with five, and Marissa Carmosino and Lily Hocevar both finished with two points.
“There were many bright spots today,” Ridgeway said. “We started well and ended well. That’s part of the game, and ending the game is most important. Emily shot well, Kristiana had a career night so far, and Corrine took control. Others contributed as well.”
But it was Katic that stole the show.
“Kristiana really just does what she is good at,” Coach Ridgeway said. “She works. Her game is not complicated. It’s simple and she perfects the simple.”
With the win, Kirtland improved to 10-7 overall. The Hornets host Wickliffe on Wednesday.
