The Woodmore Wildcats girls basketball team secured a Division VI sectional crown on , defeating the Gibsonburg Golden Bears 50-42. The victory marks a significant turning point for the Wildcats, who had previously struggled against their Sandusky Bay Conference River Division rivals.
For Woodmore, this win wasn’t simply about advancing in the tournament. it was about overcoming a pattern of defeat. “For our few years in this league, every time we play Gibsonburg, we come up short,” explained Woodmore senior Camille Strong. “We played them twice; we felt we were the better team. We saw the seeding and we knew we’d choose Gibsonburg. We wanted revenge.” The Wildcats had lost both previous matchups against Gibsonburg during the regular season by a combined 12 points, fueling their desire for a rematch.
The decision to face Gibsonburg in the sectional round wasn’t accidental. Woodmore coach Kyle Clair acknowledged the team’s deliberate choice, recognizing the opportunity to address their previous shortcomings. “We competed well the first two games and we wanted another chance,” Clair said. He also noted the competitive nature of their tournament bracket, stating, “Gibsonburg is one of the best teams in the area, and they were a three seed.”
Clair’s strategy centered on exploiting Gibsonburg’s tendencies and improving upon areas where Woodmore had previously faltered. During the regular season matchups, the Wildcats had been hesitant to take shots and lacked the necessary toughness. The team focused on practicing their offensive execution against defenses that didn’t rely on a zone, preparing them to attack Gibsonburg’s strengths directly. “Woodmore wasn’t tough enough during the regular season matchups and passed up shots,” according to reporting from the Fremont News-Messenger.
Defense was a key component of Woodmore’s game plan. Clair emphasized the importance of defensive intensity, stating, “We’ve been talking about it for 20 years.” He highlighted Gibsonburg’s aggressive style of play, noting their ability to create deflections and disrupt opposing offenses. The Wildcats aimed to match that intensity and capitalize on opportunities to disrupt Gibsonburg’s rhythm.
The victory over Gibsonburg represents more than just a basketball game; it signifies a shift in the dynamic between the two programs. Woodmore had long been overshadowed by Gibsonburg’s success, with Golden Bears coach Bo Evarts having built a “tremendous program” and boasting one of the state’s best players in Elly Evarts. The Wildcats’ win demonstrates their ability to “measure up with them and hang,” as Clair put it, and instills a newfound confidence within the team.
The Wildcats’ success is also attributed to a change in mindset. They were “tired of being in Gibsonburg’s shadow” and determined to prove their capabilities. Strong articulated this sentiment, stating, “It was good to start with hard games — it didn’t feel good in the moment — but we knew we could do it. We wanted it to be one of the best times of our lives to get them back after we were overlooked because of our losses to them.”
Woodmore’s winning streak now extends to seven games, building momentum as they advance in the tournament. Their next challenge will be a district semifinal matchup against New London. The team’s sectional victory over Gibsonburg, however, serves as a powerful statement and a testament to their resilience and determination. The game, highlighted by Kelsey Kaylor’s performance, showcased the Wildcats’ ability to overcome adversity and achieve their goals. Highlights of the game are available online, offering a glimpse into the intensity and excitement of the matchup.
The win underscores the importance of strategic preparation and a strong team mentality. Woodmore’s deliberate choice to face Gibsonburg, coupled with their focused practice and unwavering determination, ultimately led to a well-deserved victory. As they move forward in the tournament, the Wildcats will undoubtedly carry the confidence and momentum gained from this significant win.
