On Tuesday, the basketball court witnessed an intense clash between Wheeling Central and Martins Ferry. The game took place on Coach Skip Prosser Court, with both teams bringing their A-game right from the start.

A Battle of Talented Teams on the Court

First Quarter Highlights

Wheeling Central took an early lead, with a 6-6 score being the only tie in the opening minutes. Martins Ferry showed their shooting prowess, making four 3-pointers in the quarter, including three from Giana Chirpas. However, Wheeling Central also made two 3-pointers and led 19-14 at the end of the first quarter.The Purple Riders' 3-ball was a key factor in keeping the game close in the first quarter. Their outside shooting gave them a boost, but Wheeling Central's overall ball movement and scoring ability started to show.

Second Quarter Struggles and Comebacks

In the second quarter, Martins Ferry went on a 10-2 run, capitalizing on Wheeling Central's turnovers caused by their full-court press. Central had seven turnovers in this period, which allowed Ferry to narrow the gap. But despite the setback, the Maroon Knights still led 34-28 at halftime.Coach Roberta Olejasz noted that they started off a little shaky in the first half with a bunch of turnovers but then started sharing the ball really well in the second half, pulling themselves together.

Third Quarter Turning Point

Martins Ferry got within two in the middle of the third quarter, with Giana Chirpas' putback getting the Riders to a 38-36 deficit with 5:43 on the clock. But Wheeling Central responded with an 11-4 run, with Kaitlyn Blake's full-court outlet pass to Seneca Heller for a final-seconds lay-in giving the Knights a 58-47 lead at the end of the period.This run was a crucial turning point in the game, as it extended Wheeling Central's lead and put them in a more comfortable position going into the fourth quarter.

Fourth Quarter Thriller

The Purple Riders shaved the deficit down to a thin margin in the fourth quarter, showing their determination to come back. But Wheeling Central always had an answer.Addie Payton's five 3-pointers accounted for all of Central's 3-point makes and she finished with 17 points. Kaitlyn Blake started her season with a first double-double, scoring 20 points with 13 rebounds. Heller also had an 18-point, five-assist effort, tied with Blake for the team-high.Wheeling Central's frontline, led by Blake, Severns, and Bella Fitzsimmons, out-rebounded Martins Ferry 34-22, which was a major factor in their victory.In the end, Wheeling Central won 78-67, a hard-fought win against a talented opponent.Both teams will meet again on Martins Ferry's homecourt on January 8, and this game could have a significant impact on their conference tournament chances.For now, Wheeling Central hits the road Friday to face Bridgeport (W.Va) and Martins Ferry returns home Saturday to play River.