By Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

CHILLICOTHE — In this case, less is more.

Using a strong defensive effort keyed the Sugar Creek Christian Academy Lady Eagles first win in the Ohio Christian Schools Athletic Association state tournament by beating Ross County Christian 40-36 on Tuesday.

“We weren’t hitting shots at all so we had to play some serious defense,” said Lady Eagles coach Andy Long.

“There are two ways to beat a team. You either outscore them or you keep them from outscoring you, and that’s simply what we did.”

Sugar Creek finally shook off its early cold shooting and rallied behind the play of Ariella Vititoe.

“We only shot 22 percent from the court and 0-9 from behind the arc. Luckily, the girls got it together a little bit in the second half and then we just sat down and played defense,” said Long.

SCCA only allowed 3 of Ross County’s players to score.

“Ariella Vititoe played amazing,” said Long. “She’s the smallest on the court but she scored 9 points and pulled down 12 rebounds. That’s just sheer want to and desire. Refusing to give up. It’s hard to beat someone who refuses to quit.”

This marked the first time Sugar Creek has competed in the OCSAA state tournament. The Lady Eagles advance to the Elite 8 next week to play Dominion in Dayton.

Sugar Creek 4 7 13 16 = 40

Ross County 5 6 10 15 = 36

SUGAR CREEK CHRISTIAN: Ariella Vititoe 4 0 1-2 9, Charlie Long 5 0 6-10 16, Loelle Gilmore 2 0 3-6 7, Maggie Crum 0 0 0-0 0, Madi McKee 1 0 0-0 2, Sadie Wheeler 0 0 0-0 0, Nike Dorafrev 1 0 4-7 6, Talia Vititoe 0 0 0-0 0. Totals: 13 0 14-27 40. Rebounds: 30. Assists: 5 (Gilmore 3). Steals: 13 (Long 5, Gilmore 3). Fouls: 9. Fouled out: Crum.

ROSS COUNTY CHRISTIAN: Carly Patrick 0 0 0-0 0, Addison Porter 0 0 0-0 0, Bella Ramey 0 0 0-2 0, Rylee Elliott 4 0 2-2 10, Jace Jude 2 0 0-0 4, Abby Bevan 7 2 2-3 22, Josie Perry 0 0 0-0 0, Jade Withrow 0 0 0-0 0. Totals: 13 2 2-5 36. Fouls: 18. Fouled out: Ramey, Elliott.