Carly Lehman of Fairbanks looks to shoot along the baseline during Wednesday’s game over Northeastern. Lehman scored 11 points and was one of four Lady Panthers in double figures during a 68-11 victory. (Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)
High school basketball in Ohio has had a “mercy” rule in place for post-season competition for several years.
That rule states the game clock will run continuously (except for time-outs) once one team gains a 30-point lead during the second half.
A rule similar to that has been adopted this winter for the regular season.
It was invoked Wednesday evening, even though Fairbanks’ girls really didn’t need it during a 68-11 victory over Northeastern.
The new rule states a running clock will be used in the second half once one team takes a lead of 35 points.
Regulation time will not be restored unless the margin slips to less than 30.
Since the Lady Panthers (3-0) held a 47-11 advantage at halftime, the running clock was used for the entire second half.
As such, it took slightly less than 18 minutes to play 16 minutes worth of basketball.
FHS coach Landon Fraker (whose team will play at West Jefferson Saturday evening), said there really isn’t much to gain, at least learning-wise, from a game of this nature.
“We were able to get playing time for our younger girls and everybody scored points,” he said. “We shot well and took care of the basketball.”
Fraker did have a bit of a concern about how his team would move around the court against a zone defense.
Those worries were short-lived as Fairbanks’ spacing went well.
Elaina Lahmers swished a trifecta, while she and Macy Miller converted steals into transition baskets.
They helped the Lady Panthers notch the first 13 points of the game.
Those steals came off FHS’ press, which was later removed when the local team had the game well in hand.
Northeastern earned its first points on a basket by Katelyn Hauser.
Ellie Carter scored on two consecutive possessions as the Lady Panthers’ margin climbed to 25-4.
She finished the quarter with a free throw and a baseline bucket, sending FHS into the second period with a 28-6 lead.
Fraker made ample use of his bench as the game progressed.
A basket and charity toss by Reese Poling upped FHS’ lead to 32-8.
Panther starters rotated in and out of the lineup in order to stay sharp.
Baskets from Carter, Miller and Carly Lehman sent Fairbanks into the halftime break with its 47-11 margin.
The Jets were not able to make their side of the scoreboard move during the second half.
The offensive production ground to a halt despite no super intense defensive pressure by the Lady Panthers.
Northeastern was the victim of numerous unforced turnovers and errant shot attempts.
The clock continued to run even through fouls and trips to the charity stripe.
FHS took a 55-11 advantage after the third period and coasted to the victory.
Miller led four Lady Panthers in double-figure scoring with 15 points.
Carter tossed in 13, while Lahmers and Lehman each added 11.
Poling fell one point shy of joining them as she finished with nine.
Fairbanks
Miller 6-3-15, Carter 6-1-13, Lahmers 4-1-11, Lehman 4-2-11, R. Poling 3-2-9, A. Poling 1-0-2, Reinhard 1-0-2, Ruff 1-0-2, Smith 1-0-2, Groves 0-1-1. Totals 27-10-68.
Three-point goals: Lahmers 2, Lehman 1, R. Poling 1.
Northeastern
Allison 2-0-4, Waugh 1-1-3, Hauser 1-0-2, Palmer 1-0-2, Pollock 0-0-0, Bonham 0-0-0, Hays 0-0-0, Tuttle 0-0-0, Kelley 0-0-0. Totals 5-1-11.
The FHS jayvees also won with a running clock late in the second half by a 56-23 verdict.
Haley Dee led Fairbanks with 17 points and Anna Mueller added 13.