Girls Basketball: Different faces, same style leads Marysville over Hilliard Bradley
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
By Michael Rich
mrich@cbussports.com
Marysville’s Abby Strahm guards Bradley’s Hayley Hile during the visiting Monarchs’ win Nov. 28. Photo: John Hulkenberg
There are a lot of different faces on the Marysville girls basketball team. Still, the things that make the Monarchs what they are are still evident.
Jojo Eberhart did a little bit of everything to lead Marysville to a 50-18 victory at Hilliard Bradley in non-league play on Nov. 28.
But it all starts with defense. Marysville forced 21 turnovers on the strength of 18 steals. It was the same style that led the Monarchs to their first district championship and a regional runner-up finish last year.
“I think (defense first) honestly goes for everyone,” said Eberhart, who threatened a triple double with 12 points, eight assists and seven steals. “(Coach Klarke) Ransome tells us that all the time. Everything starts on defense. If you have high energy, your defense is just good and the offense is going to come along.”
Marysville’s JoJo Eberhart guards Bradley’s Annabelle Jantonio during the visiting Monarchs’ win Nov. 28. Photo: John Hulkenberg
Eberhart converted a three-point play with 6 minutes, 25 seconds remaining to give the Monarchs (1-0) the lead for good, starting a string of 18 consecutive points.
Lainey Dennison’s basket with 18 seconds left in the first quarter finally ended the rally.
But Marysville outscored the Jaguars (0-2) 27-6 over the next two quarters to cruise to the win.
Eberhart is the only returning starter and Addy Tweed was one of the first off the bench from last year’s team. Otherwise, it’s a whole new Marysville.
Abby and Allison Price are transfers from North Union and Ava Collins came in from Dublin Coffman. All three are fitting in quite nicely.
Marysville’s Allison Price puts up a shot during the visiting Monarchs’ win over Bradley on Nov. 28. Photo: John Hulkenberg
Abby Price had 12 points, Allison Price had seven points, three assists, three rebounds and three steals and Tweed had seven points, four rebounds and three steals for the Monarchs.
“We’re still figuring stuff out, but a very good start, I thought,” Ransome said. “We talk about being extremely active defensively and setting the tone defensively, which I thought we did a pretty good job of today. When we can get deflections or some steals and some easy basket, it makes us really, really good.”
Tate Dudley, one of five freshmen on the roster, had eight points to lead Bradley.
Marysville coach Klarke Ransome communicates during his team’s win over host Hilliard Bradley on Nov. 28. Photo: John Hulkenberg