DEFIANCE – The old adage of if there it wasn’t for bad luck, they’d have no luck at all is the unfortunate first few weeks for coach Thiel and the Lady Rams basketball team.

Nova Okuley’s offensive rebound and bucket gave the Tinora Lady Rams a 29-17 lead over the undefeated Archbold Bluestreaks (6-0) lead with 3:06 remaining in the third quarter of the Defiance Physical Therapy Classic. Unfortunately for Tinora, Archbold would outscore the Lady Rams 27-13 over the remaining 11 minutes to grab the Championship from the grasps of the Lady Rams.

Despite the pressure by the Bluestreaks defense over the initial 24 minutes, the Lady Rams were able to navigate a lead after each quarter.

Tinora led 11-9 after one, despite trailing out of the gate, 7-2. The Lady Rams themselves played great defense in the initial half, taking a 21-15 lead to the locker room.

Tinora took a lead of 31-25 into the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, the next eight minutes of non stop pressure by Archbold head coach Brian Zigler and his Bluestreaks was the difference maker.

The Bluestreak pleasure forced numerous Tinora turnovers in the final stanza and Archbold erased the 12 point deficit to tie the game at 33-33 on a left handed bucket by Reagon Wendt with 4:33 remaining in the fourth.

The ‘Streaks would never relinquish the lead, taking home a 44-40 win over Tinora, and the 2024 DPT Classic title.

Eowyn Blanchard led Tinora with 12 points, Nova Okuley chipped in 10.

Archbold was led by Charlie Forward with 18, Klaire Kern assisted with six points.

TINORA 11-10-10-9=40
ARCHBOLD 9-6-10-19=44

Archbold scoring: Pedraza 5, Forward 18, Kinsman 2, Thiel 4, Gericke 5, Wendt 4, Kern 6

Tinora scoring: Meyer 5, Spangler 2, Blanchard 12, Durfey, Okuley 10, Bailey 3

Archbold remains perfect at 7-0. The ‘Streaks will play at Patrick Henry on Friday.

Tinora drops to 2-5. The Lady Rams are home Saturday afternoon vs Liberty Center, 2 pm JV start.

Pics= SARAH HARRIS

Pics – Tinora Rams Live