DAYTON, Ohio (3-15-25) – Columbus Grove was a part of history today winning the first ever Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) D VI State Girls Basketball title. This is the first year of the three new divisions in Ohio, after years of just having four divisions.
Four players scored in double figures and Columbus Grove never trailed in a 65-46 win over Rootstown in the Division VI state championship game at University of Dayton Arena.
Columbus Grove (27-2) won its 16th consecutive game to claim its first girls basketball state title in its first trip to the state tournament. Rootstown (27-2) was runner-up in its first state tournament appearance.
Senior guard Lauryn Auchmuty had 17 points, six rebounds, six assists and five steals to lead Columbus Grove. Nicole Nesby was a perfect 5 of 5 from the floor and 3 of 3 at the foul line and finished with 13 points, 16 rebounds, four steals and three blocked shots, while Kendal Palte and Aubrey Schroeder both scored 14 points for Columbus Grove.
Kelsey Bitecuffer led Rootstown with 12 points, Elliott Smallfield scored 10 and Addy Germann added nine.
Columbus Grove used a 17-0 first-quarter run to take control of the contest early. A 3-2 lead just over a minute into the contest grew to a 20-2 margin over the course of six minutes. Columbus Grove made 7 of 11 shots and forced Rootstown into seven turnovers during the run.
The game was played on even terms over the final three quarters, with Columbus Grove outscoring Rootstown 43-40 over the final three periods.
Columbus Grove shot 22 of 42 from the floor and 18 of 24 at the foul line, and the Bulldogs held a 34-21 edge in rebounds. Columbus Grove outscored Rootstown 36-8 in the paint.
Rootstown was 13 of 42 from the floor, including 8 of 18 from three, and made 12 of 16 free throw
Stateline Sports Network 