Bellefontaine’s fifth grade travel basketball team defeated West Liberty-Salem last Thursday night for the Tri-County Championship.

The Tigers entered last week’s championship game undefeated in the South division and the Chiefs were undefeated in the North Division.

WLS jumped out to an 11-0 start after one quarter, but the Chieftains valiantly battled back to earn 33-28 victory. 

Several Buckeye Hilliker swimmers excelled this past weekend at the Southwest Ohio League Sectionals.

Receiving medals in the 8 and under group were Jared Salyer and Sarah Starkey in the 25 backstroke.

Medaling in the 11/12 age group were Skyler Tavenner in the 100 freestyle, 50 backstroke, 100 fly, and 100 IM and Emma Smith in the 100 IM.

Medaling in the 13/14 age group were Jessica Miller in 50 freestyle, 100 backstroke, 100 breaststroke, and 200 breaststroke and Jordan Hall in the 100 fly.

Medaling in the 15 and older age group was Matt Spatz in the 100 fly.

Those swimmers who have made Ohio Southwest League Championship time cuts and will travel to Miami University this weekend include: Macy Arn, Amy Fulmer, Emily Fulmer, Christian Garlock, Connor Hall, Jessica Miller, Dylan Notestine, Emma Smith, Shelby Starkey, and Skyler Tavenner.

As the basketball season winds down it becomes time to hand out post-season awards to players and coaches for excellence throughout the season.

Monday night, an area player and coach were recognized for their stellar performances during the season and throughout a heart-stopping tournament run that nearly yielded a district title.

Senior Pirate post player Amelia Carter has been named the Southwest District Division IV Player of the Year. Carter averaged a double-double during the season, including 12 points and 17 rebounds in last weekend’s narrow District Final defeat at the hands of Southeastern.

Carter will attend the University of Cincinnati in the fall on a track scholarship.

Listen as Pirates Head Coach Dean Sanford talks about what Carter meant to the program.

In just his second year as head coach, Sanford led the Pirates to an overall record of 15-8, including a 6-0 conference record earning the Pirates an undisputed conference championship.

As a result, Head Coach Dean Sanford has been named Southwest District Division IV Coach of the Year.

Listen as Sanford reacts to his post-season accolades.

BOYS BASKETBALL

SOUTHWEST ALL-DISTRICT TEAMS

DIVISION I

First team: D.J. Martinez, Troy, 6-foot-6, sr., 18.4; Brandon Neel, La Salle, 6-3, jr., 15.2; Allen Payne, Winton Woods, 6-7, sr., 17.0; Jordan Sibert, Princeton, 6-4, sr., 18.4; DaWuan Thomas, Trotwood-Madison, 6-1, sr., 18.6; Travis Trice, Wayne, 6-0, jr., 21.9.

Player of the year: Jordan Sibert, Princeton

Coach of the year: Dan Fleming, La Salle

Second team: Markus Crider, Wayne, 6-6, jr., 14.1; Jordan Hicks, Lakota West, 6-2, sr., 13.2; A.J. Pacher, Vandalia Butler, 6-9, sr., 17.7; Mervin Taylor, Woodward, 6-1, sr., 23.4; Aaron Thomas, Aiken, 6-4, jr., 21.9; Mike Wilkison, Anderson, 5-11, sr., 20.8.

Third team: Charlie Byers, Moeller, 5-10, jr., 12.9; Ryan Fleming, La Salle, 6-3, jr., 10.2; Luke Massa, St. Xavier, 6-5, sr., 15.0; Darnell Tubbs, Trotwood-Madison, 6-3, sr., 15.8; Darrien Wilkins, Princeton, 6-5, sr., 13.7; Kendrick Williams, Fairborn, 6-0, sr., 22.4.

Area honorable mention: Spencer Berlekamp, Kings; Trae Broadnax, Jalen Goodwin, Lakota East; Phillip Cook, Obi Nwankwo, Lakota West; Blake Davenport, Lebanon; Shane Eagle, Xenia; Marcus Foster, David Wilson, Troy; Jack Foy, Dan Ocke, Zach Yinger, Sidney; Akeem Freeman, Springfield; Tyron Harris, W. Carrollton; Cory Hemmelgarn, Adam Patton, Springboro; Dustin Holmes, Tecumseh; Josh Johnson, Geovonie McKnight, Middletown; Ben McGriff, Beavercreek; Robert Merz, Hamilton; Steve Newell, Northmont; Josh Scott, Fairfield; Mark Shadowens, Fairmont; Erik Smith, Tecumseh; Brian Weber, Edgewood.

DIVISION II

First team: Greg Gainey, Thurgood Marshall, 6-4, sr., 16.7; Jorian Hudson, Roger Bacon, 6-3, sr., 14.9; Geron Johnson, Dunbar, 6-3, sr., 16.8; Quinten Rollins, Wilmington, 6-0, sr., 17.8; Louis Schaljo, Bethel-Tate, 6-3, sr., 23.7; Joe Staley, Chaminade Julienne, 6-2, sr., 18.0.

Player of the year: Quinten Rollins, Wilmington

Coach of the year: Pat Kreke, Fenwick

Second team: Ryan Bass, Dunbar, 5-9, sr., 13.9; Sam Hendricks, Indian Hill, 6-4, sr., 16.8; Brent Langhorne, Fenwick, 5-7, jr., 12.1; Shawn Robinson, Thurgood Marshall, 5-10, sr., 13.2; Nick VanHoose, Graham, 6-1, jr., 16.8; Matt Vest, CJ, 6-4, sr., 15.5.

Third team: Alex Davis, Tippecanoe, 6-3, sr., 14.2; Rick Denny, Valley View, 6-2, sr., 22.2; Cole French, Eaton, 6-5, so., 19.1; P.J. Howell, Shawnee, 6-6, sr., 17.7; Kyle Morris, Kenton Ridge, 6-1, sr., 15.7; Will Satterfield, Indian Hill, 6-2, sr., 17.1.

Area honorable mention: Jordan Berlin, Malcolm Heard, Wilmington; Scott Blake, Franklin; Levi Burns, Northwestern; Que Carter, Bellefontaine; Casey Crable, Ethan Ward, Graham; Chris Hamilton, Bellbrook; Cory Hunter, Indian Hill; Trez Jones, Carroll; Graham Luce, Greenville; Evan Ludwig, Sam Keegan, Fenwick; Anthony Marino, Zach Stillings, Urbana; David Moore, Tippecanoe; Kyle Pohl, Valley View; Shadi Rabi, Tippecanoe; Steven Sarven, Shawnee; Cole Stalker, Hamilton Ross; Garrett Stephenson, Milton-Union; Joe Thuney, Max Zukowitz, Alter.

DIVISION III

First team: Derek Billing, Anna, 6-3, sr., 20.4; Jess Chadwell, Georgetown, 6-4, sr., 22.0; Mark Maloney, Madison, 6-4, sr., 15.7; Cameron Mitchell, Taft, 6-3, sr., 19.2; William Pope, Preble Shawnee, 6-4, sr., 17.3; Adolphus Washington, Taft, 6-6, so., 24.0.

Player of the year: Adolphus Washington, Taft

Coach of the year: Mark Short, Blanchester

Second team: Wes Carlson, CHCA, 6-7, sr., 18.6; Ronnie Drinnon, Greeneview, 6-6, so., 14.0; Ben Gertz, Reading, 6-6, sr., 17.4; Matt Houser, Madison, 6-4, jr., 13.7; Scott Masin, Bethel, 6-5, sr., 14.5; Scott Purcell, Badin, 6-3, sr., 16.8.

Third team: Dylan Brown, Preble Shawnee, 6-2, sr., 16.4; Bradley Evans, Summit Country Day, 6-0, sr., 10.0; Wes Hunsucker, Anna, 6-3, sr., 11.5; Ryan Innis, Dixie, 6-4, sr., 22.5; Kevin Mitchell, Taft, 5-11, sr., 15.7; Eric Rolfes, Madeira, 6-5, sr., 11.6.

Area honorable mention: Evan Bradds, Greeneview; Justin Brunswick, Tyler Dietz, Madison; Brad Burgess, Clinton-Massie; Tyler Dunivan, Evan Wolf, Justin Hershberger, Miami East; Adam Emrick, Carlisle; Alex Fogt, Anna; Tyler Funderburgh, Ryan Rittenhouse, Triad; Reed Gerber, East Clinton; Mike James, Jon Sutton, Bethel; Derek Langenkamp, Zach Niekamp, Versailles; Brandon McAdams, Tri-County North; Colton Mehlman, Badin; Jarred Merrick, West Liberty-Salem; Mark Moore, Preble Shawnee.

DIVISION IV

First team: Jake Davis, Seven Hills, 6-6, sr., 16.0; Mark Frilling, Ft. Loramie, 6-6, sr., 12.6; J.P. McFarland, Southeastern, 6-5, sr., 16.2; Ryan Newsome, Yellow Springs, 6-1, sr., 14.4; Adreian Payne, Jefferson, 6-10, sr., 15.9; Frankie Young, Lockland, 6-5, sr., 17.0.

Player of the year: Adreian Payne, Jefferson

Coach of the year: Willie Hill, Seven Hills

Second team: Nick Brandts, Cin. Christian, 6-4, sr., 17.3; Aaron Brown, Mechanicsburg, 5-11, sr., 17.5; Hayden Hagerman, Catholic Central, 5-11, jr., 17.7; Cody Latimer, Jefferson, 6-3, jr., 16.0; Drew Moore, Tri-Village, 5-9, jr., 20.0; Craig Wallace, Ponitz, 6-0, jr., 18.8.

Third team: Daniel Balsbaugh, Cin. Christian, 6-0, sr., 16.7; Reed Florence, Southeastern, 6-3, sr., 8.6; Levi Francis, Russia, 6-2, jr., 10.8; Adam Freytag, Lehman Catholic, 6-4, sr., 12.2; Todd Watkins, St. Bernard-Elmwood Place, 6-6, sr., 14.7.; Kyle Young, Ansonia, 5-9, sr., 15.0.

Area honorable mention: Cody Albers, Ft. Loramie; Kyle Baughman, Riverside; Kyle Bossetti, Mechanicsburg; Austin Bruner, Ryan Burns, Arcanum; Luke Chafin, Justin Mortiz, Troy Christian; Nick Cordonnier, David Spearman, Lehman Catholic; Joel Elliott, Emmanuel Christian; Cody Gunckel, Tri-Village; Andy Hoying, Jacob Mann, Jackson Center; Jacob Hoying, Russia; Phillip Jones, Bradford; Brian Kelly, Catholic Central; Jamar Kotey, New Miami; Austin Mercer, Southeastern; Jordy Meyer, Covington; Dustin Oates, Fairlawn; Ryan Payne, Newton; Gary Peace, Mississinawa Valley; Josh Redd, Houston; Will Ripley, Yellow Springs; Tyler Schrodi, Van Spitler, Franklin Monroe; Billy Vine, Cedarville.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

SOUTHWEST ALL-DISTRICT TEAMS

DIVISION I

First team: Desirae Ball, Ursuline, 5-10, sr., 13.0; Phylesha Bullard, Walnut Hills, 5-11, sr., 16.0; Kacie Cassell, Vandalia Butler, 5-4, sr., 11.5; Raeshaun Gaffney, Mt. Notre Dame, 5-8, so., 20.4; Cassie Sant, Fairmont, 6-2, sr., 12.6; Ashley Wanninger, Colerain, 5-9, sr., 16.2.

Player of the year: Ashley Wanninger, Colerain

Coach of the year: Tim Cogan, Fairmont

Second team: Amanda Baute, Oak Hills, 5-11, sr., 13.9; Kayla Joiner, Princeton, 5-7, sr., 13.4; Chelsea LaPorte, Miamisburg, 5-7, sr., 19.1; Ja’Monica Orton, Stebbins, 6-0, sr., 21.5; Tayler Stanton, Walnut Hills, 6-0, sr., 12.8; Jaymee Veney, Fairborn, 6-1, jr., 11.7.

Third team: Kayla Lamotte, Mason, 5-9, sr., 10.3; Brittany Latimer, Xenia, 5-7, sr., 14.5; Brianna Innocent, Vandalia Butler, 6-1, sr., 10.2; Bianca Quisenberry, Tecumseh, 5-6, fr., 24.0; Logan Warye, Kings, 5-10, jr., 17.0; Whitney Wyckoff, Lakota East, 5-9, so., 12.3.

Area honorable mention: Jessica Alexander, Brianne Thornton, Xenia; Kami Baker, Piqua; MaRanda Boddie-Cannon, Springfield; Kindsay Brandt, Ronni Grandison, Lakota West; Chelsey Davis, Tecumseh; Kaitlyn Francis, Julia Wood, Troy; Taylor Frazier, Fabia McDonald, Middletown; Brianna Glover, Sarah Hunter, Mason; Alyssa Grevenkamp, Lakota East; Maura Hackney, Edgewood; Konner Harris, Sidney; Marie McKinnon, Lebanon; Olivia Schretzman, Springboro; Dominique Singletary, Hamilton.

DIVISION II

First team: Ashley Christie, Alter, 5-9, sr., 12.2; Jordanne Gambill, Clinton-Massie, 5-10, jr., 19.0; Nikki McKee, Wyoming, 5-10, jr., 19.5; Breanna Stucke, Tippecanoe, 6-0, jr., 17.4; Allie Turner, Greenon, 5-6, sr., 28.8; Samarie Walker, CJ, 6-1, sr., 16.2.

Player of the year: Samarie Walker, CJ

Coach of the year: Scott Rogers, Indian Hill

Second team: Kelley Austria, Carroll, 5-10, fr., 13.5; Nicole Bell, Indian Hill, 5-3, so., 14.8; Courtney Christie, Alter, 5-7, jr., 8.2; Saira House, Kenton Ridge, 5-8, sr., 13.8; Kelsey Matthews, Indian Hill, 5-7, jr., 13.8; Lauren Mazzaro, McNicholas, 5-9, sr., 14.8.

Third team: Leisha Crawford, Bellbrook, 5-7, so., 12.2; Brandi McDaniel, Franklin, 5-10, sr., 20.0; Sadie Oyer, Lewistown Indian Lake, 6-1, sr., 13.2.; Leah Schiller, Tippecanoe, 5-10, sr., 8.7; Marci Sodini, Wilmington, 5-7, sr., 12.0; Darcie Zirkle, Graham, 5-6, jr., 15.9

Area honorable mention: Kerri Beedy, Shawnee; Haley Bowman, Greenville; Rebecca Bruner, Northwestern; Hannah Collins, Valley View; Kyra Dorner, Greenon; Lydia Dysart, Shelby Logsdon, Talawanda; Brittany Fernandez, Hamilton Ross; Kristen Gebhardt, Franklin; Mariah Harris, Kenton Ridge; Maggie Neanen, Eaton; Kaitlyn Pennekamp, Hamilton Ross; Christina Pentaudi, Tippecanoe; Tori Purk, Graham; Reegan Reece, Monroe; Brooke Sargent, Clinton-Massie; Ellise Sharpe, Tippecanoe; Sarah Yoder, Ben Logan.

DIVISION III

First team: Courtney Boyd, Brookville, 6-1, sr., 30.1; Megan Campbell, Versailles, 6-1, sr., 15.9; Lindsay Hoskins, Madison, 6-0, sr., 14.2; Courtney Hubbard, Badin, 5-9, sr., 11.4; Ally Malott, Madison, 6-3, jr., 17.7; Carrie Watkins, Anna, 5-9, jr., 14.5.

Player of the year: Ally Malott, Madison

Coach of the year: Kari Kitchen, Northeastern

Second team: Jada Brown, Purcell Marian, 5-5, sr., 13.3; Casey Carter, Georgetown, 5-7, so., 10.0; Morgan Miller, Miami East, 5-10, so., 17.2; Shelby Sheets, Fayetteville-Perry, 5-11, jr., 18.6; Gretchen Staubach, Madeira, 5-10, sr., 13.5; Lisa Weber, Christian, 5-10, so., 16.5.

Third team: Jillian Adams, Northeastern, 5-8, sr., 14.5; Amber Bell, Waynesville, 5-4, jr., 11.1; Rebecca Burch, Anna, 5-9, jr., 12.1; Chelsea Farrell, Fenwick, 6-2, jr., 11.6; Kelsey Hogan, Mariemont, 5-4, sr., 15.6; Becka Peterson, West Liberty-Salem, 5-11, so., 16.9.

Area honorable mention: Bethany Ahrens, Versailles; Amber Beeman, Katlyn Vincent, Milton-Union; Rachel Blevins, Brittany Shields, Madison; Lauren Bunn, Waynesville; Megan Fogt, Anna; Kara Gerbus, Badin; Donna Holbrook, Alexis Murphy, Carlisle; Melanie Monahan, Fenwick; Christine Park, West Liberty-Salem; Jessica Rebert, Northeastern; Taylor Withrow, Preble Shawnee.

DIVISION IV

First team: Sarah Carroll, Cin. Christian, 5-9, sr., 18.4; Amelia Carter, Riverside, 5-11, sr., 18.0; Kayla Linkous, Tri-Village, 5-11, so., 16.6; Janel Olberding, Ft. Loramie, 5-10, jr., 13.6; Mariah Reed, Country Day, 5-10, sr., 13.8; Jaclyn Willoughby, Houston, 5-9, sr., 17.8.

Player of the year: Amelia Carter, Riverside

Coach of the year: Dean Sanford, Riverside

Second team: Sharice Clark, Lockland, 5-10, sr., 13.0; Emily Ellerbrock, Bethel, 5-9, sr., 14.9; Jenna Erwin, Southeastern, 5-7, so., 16.5; Kim Gault, New Miami, 5-11, sr., 14.7; Ashlyn Hemmelgarn, Ansonia, 5-8, sr., 12.5; Maria Schafer, Troy Christian, 5-9, sr., 15.8.

Third team: Sierra Bruner, Franklin-Monroe, 5-5, sr., 15.1; Shelby Carpenter, Miami Valley, 5-8, so., 10.7; Sarah Evans, Seven Hills, 5-10, sr., 17.0; Kelsey Funderburgh, Triad, 5-7, so., 15.3; Clair Ruhenkamp, Ft. Loramie, 5-11, jr., 12.1; Brianne Ward, Summit Country Day, 5-10, sr., 9.5.

Area honorable mention: Alyssa Angle, Carrie Spurgeon, Covington; Keeley Booher, Newton; Katie Borchers, Brooke Gariety, Russia; Brooke Cornett, Bethel; Taylor Cummons, Jackson Center; Courtney Davidson, Fairlawn; Danielle Forrer, Troy Christian; Christie Freytag, Lindsay Spearman, Brooke Vanover, Lehman Catholic; Monica Heckman, Franklin-Monroe; Sarah Mayo, Ansonia; Danielle Monnier, Houston; Ashley Oren, Emmanuel Christian; Amber Rice, Southeastern; Alyssa Rison, New Miami; Jenna Schmerge, Botkins; Hannah Smith, Triad; Erica Snapp, Riverside; Marina Snipes, Newton; Shaye Thomas, Tri-Village; Todjrea Watts, Jefferson; Marissa Wirrig, Bradford; Allison Woods, Catholic Central.

Bellefontaine tennis standout Robbie Ball participated in the St. Patrick’s Day Junior Open at the Dayton Center Courts & Tennis Academy last weekend.

The senior performed well throughout tournament play, posting a 5-1 record en route to a third-place overall finish in the men’s 18&under bracket.

Ball advanced to the quarterfinals of the main draw before falling to eventual tournament champion, Martin Burbank of West Chester, 6-3, 7-5.

Ball would go on to win five straight matches, defeating the second, third and fourth seeded players along the way.

A victory over third-seeded Andrew Boll served as some revenge for Ball, after Boll upset Ball in the district tournament last season.

Outdoor practice for the Bellefontaine tennis team is slated to begin this week.

The Riverside Lady Pirates saw a tournament run built on late-game survival come to an end Saturday against Southeastern, losing 62-58 in the Division IV District Final at Tipp City.

Southeastern started off hot, running out to a 23-13 lead at the end of the first quarter. Riverside’s defense went to work in the second quarter as the Pirates outscored Southeastern 14-4 to tie the game at 27 at halftime.

The game remained close after three quarters, with Riverside holding on to a 43-41 lead heading into the final quarter.

The Pirates robbed themselves of any chance of last-second heroics by shooting just 48% from the free throw line for the game, making just 6 of their last 17 attempts. Meanwhile, Southeastern hit 8 of 10 free throws down the stretch to nail down the victory.

Hear Pirates head coach Dean Sanford speak with Chad Wilkinson after the game.

Amelia Carter scored 12 points and pulled down 17 rebounds, Erica Snapp scored 13 points, and Sarah Schindewolf added 10 points to lead the Pirates.

Riverside finished the season with a record of 15-8.

Southeastern will play Tri-Village in the regional semifinal Thursday.

Other girl’s scores:

Anna defeated Georgetown 62-48 for a Division III District Title. The Rockets play Versailles in the Region 10 semifinals Wednesday.

Versailles rallied past Hamilton Badin 38-28. Tigers standout Megan Campbell poured in 21 points.

Ft. Loramie stomped Covington 61-26 to advance to Thursday’s regional semifinal at Springfield.

Boy’s scores:

Lehman eliminated Jackson Center 50-37 to win a Division IV Sectional Title. Lehman plays for a District Title on Friday against Dayton Jefferson.

Graham avenged their only regular season conference loss by knocking off Tipp City 58-50 in the Division II Sectional Final at Springfield High School. The Falcons advance to play Roger Bacon in the District Final on Wednesday.

In boys 9 and under indoor soccer, the Bellefontaine Chieftains defeated the Elite Gray Hilliard team 7-2 on Saturday.

Derek Robb had four goals and Cameron Neer and DJ McDonald each added a goal.

McDonald’s goal was a two-point, half court goal.

Keepers Nate Hecker and Luke Woodruff combined for eight saves.

The Indian Lake cheerleaders took first place on Saturday at the Arnold Classic Fitness Expo in Columbus.

The Lakers were named US Spirit National Champions.

Team members were Katey Headley, Sammie Green, Haley Bray, Kayla Hamilton, Megan Kelly, Evelyn Travis, and Angel Dever.

The Lakers will compete again this weekend in Cleveland for the Champion Cheer Central National Title.

The West Liberty-Salem indoor track and field team competed at the University of Findlay Division II/III high school meet on Sunday.

For the Lady Tigers Meghan Vogel placed 2nd in the 3200 meter run and 4th in the 1600 meter run, Hannah Ropp placed 3rd in the pole vault, and the 4x800 relay team of Vogel, Hannah Hartsel, Sarah Murphy, and Courtney Karg placed 5th.

On the boys side, Austin Wilson placed 3rd in the high jump.

Indian Lake Laker Senior Kevin Christman finished an outstanding season on the mat, ending up 2nd in the state in Division II at 171 pounds.

After winning his first three matches to put himself into the finals, Christman fell to Graham’s Huston Evans 5-2.

Christman becomes the Laker’s 4th state runner-up in wrestling.

Hear Rick Reed's WPKO/WBLL exclusive report from Columbus

Graham dominated once again, winning their 10th straight team title, scoring 223 points to easily out pace 2nd place Oak Harbor with 78.5 points.

The Falcons had eight wrestlers competing for titles Saturday, bringing home six individual championships.

Sectional and district title games were played across the Southwest District last night.

Boys tournament finals:

Division II:

At Springfield High School, Springfield Shawnee defeated rival Kenton Ridge 52-41 to win the sectional championship.

The Braves avenged two regular season losses to the Cougars.

Division III:

Anna edged Preble Shawnee 59-51 in overtime to claim another sectional title.

Greeneview defeated Miami East 57-43.

Bethel knocked off Northridge 60-45.

Division IV:

Ft. Loramie stifled Mechanicsburg 59-25 to win the sectional crown.

Girls tournament finals (district title games):

Division II:

Dayton Chaminade-Julienne edged Kenton Ridge 56-51 in double overtime.

Indian Hill surprised Tipp City 63-44.