THE FUTURE OF LOCAL SPORTS

The Napoleon girls basketball team made history by earning the program's first Final Four appearance with a 54-37 win over Willard in the Division II Mansfield Regional Championship.

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The Lady Flashes (22-5) started the contest with an 11-9 advantage following the first quarter of play but fell behind 24-22 by the half. Senior standout Cassie Crawford poured in 10 first half points before the Wildcats held her to just two in the second half without a made field goal.

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The third quarter is where Napoleon showcased why they're still undefeated at 27-0, doubling-up Willard 16-8 in the frame on the strength of an 11-1 run. The Wildcats closed the door with suffocating defense to secure a 17-point victory, punching their ticket to the State Semifinals in Columbus.

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Crawford finished with 12 pts on 4-12 shooting while Presley Feltner added 6 pts & 6 rebs, Layla Dials had 6 pts & 4 rebs and Kalli Sowers put up 5 pts with 3 rebs to pace the Lady Flashes.

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Taylor Strock led all scorers with 17 pts & 6 rebs for Napoleon who also received 13 pts on 6-8 FG's from Kalli Helberg and 7 pts on 3-4 shooting by Stevie Rieger.

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The state #3 Wildcats will next face state #8 Dresden Tri-Valley (22-3) for a spot in the D2 State Championship at St. John Arena.