Women’s Basketball downs Heidelberg 78-70 for first win
(November 21) TIFFIN__The Bluffton University women's basketball team found its groove while taking down Heidelberg University 78-70 for its first win of the season on Tuesday, November 21, 2023. Bluffton improved to 1-3 as the Student Princes slipped to 2-2.
The tenacious Allen East girls basketball team fashioned a decisive 17-2 run to start the fourth quarter and key a 55-37 win over host Bluffton in the championship game of the annual McDonald’s Holiday Tournament Friday night, November 24.
The Mustangs led throughout, but had their 12-point halftime lead whittled to 38-33 entering the fourth period after the spunky Pirates authored a 14-7 third period.
Than a withering AE fullcourt press forced nine Pirate turnovers in the final stanza. Combined with five offensive putback baskets, the press allowed the Mustangs to pull away and win comfortably.
The relentless AE pressure helped force 28 costly turnovers, many of which were turned into transition baskets for the victors.
Bluffton to face rival AE in title game Friday night
By Cort Reynolds
The Bluffton girls basketball team opened a new season with a furious 53-50 comeback win over Cory-Rawson in the semifinals of their annual McDonald’s Holiday Tournament Wednesday night, November 22.
The Pirates trailed 39-24 at halftime after C-R exploded for 24 points in the second period.
But the Pirate girls turned up the defense and held the Hornets to just 11 points in the second half while scoring 29 themselves to rally for the hard-fought victory.
Bluffton post Ayla Grandey netted a game-high 28 points on nine baskets and nine free throws to pace the victors.
The Pirates (1-0) will now face local league rival Allen East in the championship finals Friday evening at approximately 7:15-7:30 p.m. The Pirate girls knocked off AE 55-52 last year in the title game.
Swimming and Diving returns to Canton for Malone Invitational
(November 16-18) CANTON, Ohio - The Bluffton University Swimming and Diving Team traveled back to Canton for the Malone Invitational last Thursday, Nov. 16 through Saturday, Nov. 18. Bluffton's men took 13th, while the women placed 14th, scoring 281.5 points at the Branin Natatorium.
Shortage of officials, bad fan behavior spurs updates
COLUMBUS__The Ohio High School Athletic Association launched the Respect the Game program in 2004, and the phrase and logo have become synonymous with interscholastic athletics in Ohio from public address announcers, publications, social media and public service announcements. This fall, the OHSAA has been working on new resources and collecting ideas from member schools to announce an expanded Respect the Game program as the 2023-24 winter sports season is about to get underway.
After the rematch, both teams boast 12-2 records; the two Pirate losses coming to Grove by seven points apiece.
By Cort Reynolds
FINDLAY__The Bluffton High School football team rallied furiously in the second half, but a last-ditch drive stalled in Columbus Grove territory to end their season with a 17-10 loss to the rival Bulldogs in the Division VI, Region 22 final thriller on a wet and cool Friday night at Donnell Stadium in Findlay.
