Brea Olinda Wins Opener at Ohio Girls’ Tournament

Brea Olinda’s strong rebounding and balanced scoring was the difference in the Ladycats’ 66-46 victory over Memphis (Tenn.) Harding Friday in the opening round of the Pickerington (Ohio) girls’ basketball tournament.

The Ladycats (9-0) outrebounded Harding, 45-26, and 10 Brea Olindaplayers scored, with four in double figures. Brea’s defense limited the Lions to 29% shooting from the floor.

Brea Olinda trailed by one after the first quarter, but outscored Harding, 22-12, in the second quarter. The Ladycats put the game out of reach with a 24-10 surge in the third.

Erin Kelly scored 13 points to lead Brea, Rochelle Anthony had 12 points and 10 rebounds, Marisa Bradley scored 11 and had a team-high five assists, and Stephanie Wettlin had 10 points.

Brea will play tournament host Pickerington, a 53-30 winner over Germantown (Pa.), in the semifinals today. Pickerington is the four-time Ohio state champion and is ranked No. 2 in the nation in this week’s USA Today poll. The Ladycats are ranked No. 5.