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Lewisburg learns in defeat as Central Columbia reaches another District 4 final

By Chris Masse 4 min read

MILTON--The outcome was decided but Lewisburg’s spirit was not defeated. So, sophomore Sydney Bolinsky went diving on the hard floor, made a steal and denied Central Columbia a fourth quarter basket.

There were few Lewisburg highlights Tuesday against the defending champions in the District 4 Class AAAA semifinals. But for a team with just one senior, that effort points to better days coming.

Central continued its dominant district run with a second straight blowout, defeating Lewisburg, 48-18. The Blue Jays (18-6) broke open a close game in the second quarter with a 26-0 run which went into the third and will meet Milton in this weekend’s championship. Emmie Rowe scored a game-high 18 points, Central played relentless defense and it produced 15 assists on 17 field goals.

Central has a good core back from last year’s champion and it showed. The way Lewisburg (10-14) has progressed, however, shows why it could be a title contender next year.

"I think we came out and gave them a good shot and then we faded a little bit," Lewisburg coach Brent Sample said. "The younger girls are stepping up and coming into their roles. We keep building up for next year. The girls keep fighting and keep battling. They’re a good group of girls. They just got a bit overwhelmed today."

Lewisburg still can reach the state tournament and faces Shamokin for third place this weekend at a time and date to be determined.

The Green Dragons have encountered adversity all season, had little preseason, were shut down early in the campaign and have been decimated by injuries. Still, they went to No. 3 seed Athens and won a quarterfinal and still have a shot at states.

What happened Tuesday was disappointing, but it does not erase everything Lewisburg has achieved and could yet achieve this season.

"We’re not going to dwell on tonight. We still have another game," Sample said. "I give a lot of credit to the girls. They’ve worked hard all season."

Lewisburg held its own early and briefly led late in the first quarter, 8-6. A Keeley Baker free throw cut Central’s lead to 10-9 early in the second but the Blue Jays domianted all facets from there and closed the half on a 19-0 run while taking a 29-9 lead. Central then scored the third-quarter’s first seven points, went up 36-9 and held Lewisburg without a point for 10 ½ minutes.

The Blue Jays have made stifling defense their calling card the past three years, reaching states each time. Central turned that pressure up in the second quarter, forcing 10 turnovers and not allowing a field goal attempt until just 1 minute, 50 seconds remained before halftime. They also relentlessly attacked the boards and grabbed 18 offensive rebounds.

"They started pressing and it was tough on our girls, and we turned the ball all over the place," Sample said. "You don’t get shots and you give them shots and it’s tough to get any momentum. They’re an aggressive team and we kind of backed away a little bit."

As stellar as it was defensively, Central was equally unselfish offensively. The Blue Jays efficiently moved the ball and set each other up for good shots. Alyx Flick dealt a game-high seven assists and Maddy Blake added four while grabbing 10 rebounds.

Rowe was tough inside, making six steals to go with her 18 points. Central ended the half in emphatic fashion as well with Caitlyn Weatherill draining a buzzer-beating 3-pointer.

Central competed in the HAC-II which finished the season 22-0 against HAC-I teams. One of the state’s toughest leagues prepared Central well for Tuesday’s semifinal. It also likely will prepare Lewisburg well for its next game and season.

"It’s good for them to get some experience here. Central has been here and done it," Sample said. "When you have that grind of the HAC-II all year you’re battle-tested."

LEWISBURG (18)

Sophie Kilbride 2 0-0 4, Keeley Baker 0 1-2 1, Sydney Bolinsky 2 0-2 4, Anna Baker 0 0-0 0, Maddie Still 1 0-0 2, Maria Bozella 2 0-0 4, Elsa Fellon 1 1-2 3, Caroline Blakeslee 0 0-0 0. Totals 8 2- 6 18.

CENTRAL (48)

Alyx Flick 2 2-2 7, Caitlyn Weatherill 1 0-0 3, Emmie Rowe 8 2-4 18, Haley Bull 0 3-4 3, Lindsey Bull 2 2-2 7, Ava Klingerman 1 1-2 3, Maddy Blake 3 1-2 7. Totals 17 11-16 48.

Lewisburg 8 1 4 5--18

Central 10 19 14 5--48

3-pointers: Central 3 (Flick, Weatherill, L. Bull).

Records: Central 18-6. Lewisburg 10-14.

Starting at /week.