South rallies past Jefferson to snap nine-game skid

Willoughby South saved its best for last Monday night, storming back from a halftime deficit to defeat visiting Jefferson, 41-38, in a nonconference girls basketball game.

The win snapped a nine-game losing streak for the Rebels, who improved to 5-10 on the season by holding Jefferson to just 11 points in the second half while scoring 23 of their own.

“It feels great. As much as me and our assistant coaches do for those girls, they deserved it tonight,” said South assistant coach Joe Pintar. “They fought, and they don’t quit. They’re fighters. We were down nine at halftime today, and, unfortunately, we’re used to battling back. Our girls, that’s what they do. They fight and don’t give up. They deserved it tonight.”

South trailed 27-18 at the break but flipped the game after halftime, outscoring Jefferson 12-6 in the third quarter and 11-5 in the fourth to complete the comeback.

Charlotte Tierney led the surge, scoring all 12 of her points in the second half, while Morgan Hayek added all four of her points after intermission. Tia Jackson finished with 12 points overall for the Rebels, Ava Proctor scored six, and Lanila Fatica added five.

“At halftime, we talked about how we were playing a little bit out of control and not taking care of the ball, trying to force passes, and we were turning the ball over,” Pintar said. “We talked to them and told them to relax. We know our offense works, but we don’t have to try to force it. Work the ball around and make the defense work to get us some open shots. That’s exactly what they did in the second half.”

Jefferson was led by Leah Valenti with 12 points and Danielle Furman with 10. Abby Feick scored eight, Hannah Richards had four, and Alex Cribbs and Grace Dzura chipped in two points apiece.

South travels to Kenston on Wednesday, looking to build off the momentum of its comeback victory.