Tuesday night delivered a full slate of postseason basketball across the area as teams competed in the OHSAA Tournament, featuring dramatic finishes, season-ending battles, and statement wins.

Girls Basketball — District Semifinals

West Liberty-Salem 45, Arcanum 44

at Covington High School

The West Liberty-Salem Lady Tigers survived a nail-biter, edging the Arcanum Lady Trojans 45–44 in a game that came down to the final seconds.

Neither team led by more than four points all night, with buckets traded nearly every possession. Arcanum controlled much of the second half, but clutch shooting and free throws from Ava Poppe and Addi Wallen swung the momentum late for the Tigers. Poppe then sealed the win with a heads-up defensive play, deflecting a full-court inbound pass in the closing moments.

West Liberty-Salem moves to 21-3 on the year.

They were led by Ava Poppe with 17 points and Addi Wallen with 16. Arianna Weaver added 7, and Ellery Wygal chipped in 5. Ava Astorino, the Tigers’ leading scorer on the season, was held scoreless.

Tiger head coach Dennis McIntosh gives his thoughts on his team’s play in the exciting victory.

The Tigers’ leading scorer, Ava Poppe, compliments the fight her teammates showed all night long.

For Arcanum, Caroline Long poured in 23 points, Matty Noe added 14, Claire Hein had 5, and Ella Flatter finished with 2.

West Liberty-Salem advances to the Division VI-Southwest 2 District Final, where they will face the Ansonia Tigers on Saturday, February 28 at Monroe High School.

Archbishop Alter 63, Benjamin Logan 28

at Troy High School

For the second straight season, the Archbishop Alter Lady Knights ended the tournament run of the Benjamin Logan Lady Raiders.

The game was tight early, tied 6–6 midway through the first quarter, before Alter closed the period on a 6–0 run. The Knights then took full control in the second quarter, outscoring Benjamin Logan 25–7 to build a commanding halftime lead.

Alter showcased balanced scoring and perimeter shooting, knocking down eight three-pointers in the game. Izzia Arcuri led the Knights with 12 points, followed by Alina Overman (9) and Sarah Brand (8), as ten different players scored.

Benjamin Logan continued to battle in a physical contest and showed resilience throughout the second half. Kylie Harner led the Lady Raiders with 7 points, while Adilynne Gregg added 6.

Despite the loss, Benjamin Logan closes the season at 13–11, a significant improvement from just four wins a year ago, highlighting the program’s growth and development.

Brookville 73, Graham 52

at Troy High School

The season came to an end for the Graham Lady Falcons with a 73–52 loss to the Brookville Lady Blue Devils.

Graham jumped out to an early 8–2 lead behind a pair of three-pointers, but Brookville quickly flipped the script with a dominant 19–1 run to close the first quarter. The Blue Devils maintained control the rest of the way, extending the margin late to secure the win.

Lucy Hoover led Brookville with 23 points, followed by Jolie Gudorf with 17 and Kinley Kummer with 15.

Graham was paced by Zoey Conn’s 18 points and Grace Yukon’s 12.

Boys Basketball — First Round

Mechanicsburg 73, Cardington-Lincoln 36

The Mechanicsburg Indians dominantly opened tournament play, rolling past the Cardington-Lincoln Pirates 73–36.

Mechanicsburg controlled the game from the opening tip and never let up, using relentless pressure and balanced scoring to cruise into the next round.

The Indians now advance to face OHC rival West Jefferson Roughriders on Saturday, February 28.