By james art 
Waterford Mills – Tournament and Defense Time is the first line of business.
Fremont was closed against Lakewood Park Christian in opening the Class 1A section in Bethani Christian Tuesday.
The Eagles took the half-time lead with one point and never gave up while withstanding some discounts from the Panthers and won 50-40.
“(The defense is) where we knew we would have to play the strongest to win this ball game,” said Fremont Shay Thomas coach. “They have some shooters in their team. Every time we were gone, they fired the ball and did it.
“We had to be sure we were there, every chance we have. Our girls did a good job, adapting this as the game continues. “
Fremont (18-6) returns for the first semi-final game on Friday at 6:00 pm against host Vitania Christian, who painted bye. Wednesday winners play the second game at 7:30. The title game is on Saturday at 7:30 pm
Eagles Limited Lakewood Park Ava Mcgrade leader to eight points. The Panthers turned to Lilia West with 11 points, and Grozelin Martin with nine, seven in the fourth quarter to help the Panthers remain in the range.
“Braili Moss did a good job when we had to play a person who straightened her,” Thomas said. “Malory Hufnagle got off the bench and helped. It was great to see.
“Thirty -three (Martin) is good in the post and we have to be sure that we are challenging her and boxing her.”
Grace Charlah scored 18 points for the Eagles, and Mia Turner had 12.
“They are a really good basketball team,” said Leikwood Park coach Jared Esteep. “Our girls fought hard. It was a fun game. It was probably a game on Saturday night (sectional championship).
“(Fremont is) so athletic. Long and athleticism have broken us a little. It’s as stagnant as this year. Bad weather. But this is a top-50 state protection. “
Offensively, the “eagles” passed good shots for better.
“We didn’t want to settle outside. We wanted to make sure the ball came to the middle, “said Thomas. “We attacked, we looked opposite, we were turning the ball.”
Fremont returned from threes from Moss and Addy Parr and a bucket inside of Claire Folk to lead with 30-21 leads when the second half began.
McCgrad responded with two long-distance triplets to bring the Panthers within 33-31. They had one possession with two, but they couldn’t get in.
Lakewood Park (16-8) received within two more than 37-35 of a quick weaning from Martin, activated by theft of Luke Bontrager. Haley Heller and Charlah baskets helped the Eagles return to a more fucked lead. They made all four free throws in the last two minutes to help preserve the victory.
The Panther senior class, which included McAgrad, West and Campbell Warner, was the most boss in the history of the school. The 16 wins were the most in the season than a team of Panther Girls.
“They found a way to win games,” Esteep said. “Many people did not believe in us. I am proud that our adults are sticking. I am proud of our struggle.
“If you have watched us from the first game of the season tonight, it’s amazing how much we have improved. They believed in each other and believed in our coaching staff. They have really changed the culture at Lakewood and I am really proud of them. “