Offensive struggles, especially in the 2nd quarter, were the undoing for the Heritage Christian Lady Warriors Saturday evening. Oak Ridge Christian held HCA to just one field goal in the 2nd quarter, taking a lead they would never give back on their way to a 46-22 win in the KCAA Region1 championship game on Heritage’s home court.
Things started off promising for Heritage, as they scored the first four points of the game. Oak Ridge scored the next five to take a 5-4 lead. HCA then finished the quarter on a 6-2 run to lead 10-7 after the opening eight minutes. Chelsea Dortch and Meredith Crunk each scored four in the opening quarter.
However, at that point, a defensive ploy put into place by the Oak Ridge coaching staff began to pay off in big fashion. With Oak Ridge’s Jenna Burden given the one main task of chasing Dortch all over the court, Heritage Christian struggled to find another offensive weapon. HCA went scoreless for more than four minutes of the 2nd quarter, while Oak Ridge went on a 9-0 run to take a 16-10 lead. The lead would be 19-12 at the half. A Logan Gibson basket accounted for the only HCA points.
Things did not improve much in the 3rd quarter. The chaser on Dortch continued to be effective, and Oak Ridge held HCA to two 3-pointers made by Kinley Deason. On the offensive end, Oak Ridge was able to get enough done to extend the lead to 32-18 by the end of the quarter.
The HCA offensive woes continued in the final quarter, as they were held to just two field goals over the final eight minutes. Oak Ridge scored the final 10 points of the game to push the margin out to the final of 24 points.
Kinley Deason led HCA with 8 points. Chelsea Dortch added six points, while Meredith Crunk added four more.
Gracie Clark paced Oak Ridge with 17 points.
Both teams will now head off to the KCAA state tournament next week.