In a compelling match that saw the Western Reserve Blue Devils dominate the second half, the team secured an impressive 74-44 victory over Chalker. This win marks the Blue Devils' eighth district title game appearance in just 12 years. Despite some defensive shortcomings, the Blue Devils showcased their offensive prowess, particularly from beyond the arc. The Wildcats, led by junior Abby Grimm's 18 points, demonstrated significant improvement since their earlier encounter with the Blue Devils. The young Chalker squad, despite facing challenges this season, showed promise for the future.

The Western Reserve Blue Devils entered the halftime break with a 13-point lead, thanks to a buzzer-beating three-pointer by Kylee Ramsey. This momentum carried into the second half, where the Blue Devils unleashed a barrage of scoring. In the final quarter alone, they managed to put up 28 points, including 15 from three-point range. Coach Steve Miller acknowledged that while his team's defense was lacking, he credited Chalker for their strong preparation and execution. "They came in with a plan, and in the first half, they executed it well," Miller remarked. He also praised the Wildcats' progress since their previous meeting before Christmas.

The standout performers for the Blue Devils were Quincy Miller, who led the team with 23 points, followed by Kylee Ramsey with 21 and Isabella Mauro adding 17. Miller emphasized the importance of offseason training in developing such shooting talent. "Every year, we have a player who excels from three-point range, and it all starts with hard work during the offseason," he noted. The coach highlighted that this trend is a testament to the players' dedication and commitment to improving their skills.

For Chalker, the season has been a mix of challenges and growth. Junior Abby Grimm led the Wildcats with 18 points, while the team's six freshmen, along with Grimm and Tatum Hudak, form a solid core for the future. Coach Rich Hudak expressed optimism about the team's development. "We're young, but we're learning and building. Our focus is on teaching the fundamentals and helping our players understand the game better," he said. Despite injuries early in the season, the Wildcats found their rhythm towards the end, setting a positive outlook for next year.

The Blue Devils now advance to face Cornerstone Christian in the district title game on Saturday at Mineral Ridge High School. With a start time set for 7 p.m., the stakes are high as both teams vie for a chance to move on to regionals. The Blue Devils will look to build on their recent success, while Chalker focuses on continued growth and development for the future.