Staff report
CINCINNATI — Both the Edison State men’s and women’s basketball teams opened their seasons Wednesday night at the University of Cincinnati-Clermont.
The men won easily, 74-49, even though the Chargers were forced to used a small lineup due to injuries to 6-foot-9 Dusty Poteet of Troy and 6-8 Brad Bergman of Botkins.
But that small lineup resulted in an up-tempo game which proved to be the key to winning.
The Chargers led by just five at the half at 35-30, but head coach Rick Hickman credited his team’s defense, which held Clermont to only 19 points in the second half.
DaeShawn Jackson of Springfield led the Chargers with a double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds. He also had three assists. DeAnthony Griffin added 14 and Zach Ledbetter 10. Three other players scored seven or more for a balanced effort.
The Chargers were 27 for 63 for 42.9 percent from the field while holding Clermont to just 20 for 63 for 32 percent.
Edison returns to action tonight at home against the Cedarville junior varsity at 7:30.
Women
The Edison women’s team fell behind early on but did a good job of climbing back in, only to fall 80-74 Wednesday night.
The Lady Chargers allowed Clermont to start fast, giving up 30 points in the first quarter. But over the next two periods, they gave up just 24 points total, turning a 30-19 deficit after one into a 56-54 lead after three quarters.
But Clermont grabbed the advantage in the final period, and stretched the margin out at the end when Edison was forced to foul.
Sydney Miller of Huntsville (Indian Lake) had a strong game for the Lady Chargers, finishing with 24 points and hitting three three-pointers in 14 attempts. She also handed out six assists.
Two more Lady Chargers finished with double-doubles. Carly Buzzard of Wapakoneta had 13 points and 10 rebounds, and Fort Loramie’s Holly Frey finished with 11 points and 12 rebounds. Five of her rebounds came on the offensive end, and she was 5-for-6 from the line.
Edison was 24 for 68 from the field for 35 percent and 16 for 21 from the line, 76 percent.
Edison returns to action tonight at home against the Cedarville junior varsity at 5:30.
