By Scott Halasz

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KETTERING — Beavercreek got defensive in a 39-26 win over Fairmont in a Greater Western Ohio League girls basketball game Wednesday at Trent Arena.

The Beavers held the Firebirds scoreless for 10:52 during the second and third quarters and forced 25 turnovers in ending a 14-game losing streak to Fairmont dating back to the 2009 tournament. After keeping Fairmont scoreless for the aforementioned time, the Beavers then held the ‘Birds scoreless for the final 40 seconds of the third quarter and the first 5:15 of the fourth quarter.

Beavercreek led by as many as 24 points before Fairmont scored 11 points in the final three minutes as the Beavers didn’t try to score and the Firebirds heaved desperation 3-point shots.

As the saying goes — too little, too late.

“When the kids play with the aggressiveness and with the heart like they can play, they can get after it on defense,” Beavercreek Coach Ed Zink said. “Sometimes we can get passive on defense. I thought they did a heck of a job.”

It was a much-needed defensive effort as the Beavercreek offense was not very efficient. Despite committing only 11 turnovers, the Beavers (13-4, 4-1 GWOC Central) missed open shots, layups and free throws in scoring just 16 first-half points.

” … We weren’t very good offensively the first two and a half quarters,” Zink said. “You’ve got to give credit to Fairmont’s defense. We held a team to 10 at the half and you’re up six. Too many missed shots.”

Albeit not lofty numbers, Beavercreek had balanced scoring as sophomore Cori Dilsavor scored eight, seniors Maddi Shannon and Alexa Low seven each and sophomore Lexi Moore six. That quartet served as the catalyst for the second-half surge.

Up 19-12 after a pair of Keaira Youngblood free throws, Lowe hit a long jumper, and after a 3-pointer by Fairmont’s Mariah Roe, Shannon drained a 3-pointer with a second left in the third. She then scored on a fast break after a turnover and Dilsavor hit a 3-pointer to give the Beavers a 29-15 lead three minutes into the fourth.

Beavercreek wasn’t done. Moore scored three more on a basket and then a free throw, and Shannon scored on another fast break and suddenly the Beavers were up 34-15.

Dilsavor made two free throws after being fouled trying to put back a missed shot and then she hit a 3-pointer on an inbound play to give the Beavers a decisive 39-15 lead.

“We finally got rolling there at the end of the third and fourth quarter on offense,” Zink said. “We hit a couple shots.”

Roe led Fairmont (6-10, 1-4 GWOC Central) with seven points.

Beavercreek hosts Huber Heights Wayne, Saturday in a game that will go a long way in deciding the GWOC Central champ. Wayne was 4-0 in the league heading into last night’s game against Centerville.

In reserve action, Beavercreek stayed undefeated with a 49-30 win. Taylor Steinbrunner led all scorers with 17 points.

Beavercreek sophomore guard Cori Dilsaver (30) drives in for a score between Fairmont freshmen Emily Hughes (12) and Emma Martchev (42) during Wednesday night’s 39-26 win over Kettering Fairmont, at Trent Arena in Kettering.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2016/01/web1_30drive.jpgBeavercreek sophomore guard Cori Dilsaver (30) drives in for a score between Fairmont freshmen Emily Hughes (12) and Emma Martchev (42) during Wednesday night’s 39-26 win over Kettering Fairmont, at Trent Arena in Kettering. Don Tate | Greene County News

Maddi Shannon (4) of Beavercreek battles Fairmont’s Olivia Frank (10) for a loose ball, as Beavercreek’s Keaira Youngblood (12), Jaelyn Bean (13) and Fairmont’s Meghan Donoher (23) look on, Wednesday night in a Greater Western Ohio Conference, Central Division battle at Kettering’s Trent Arena.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2016/01/web1_4-10scramble.jpgMaddi Shannon (4) of Beavercreek battles Fairmont’s Olivia Frank (10) for a loose ball, as Beavercreek’s Keaira Youngblood (12), Jaelyn Bean (13) and Fairmont’s Meghan Donoher (23) look on, Wednesday night in a Greater Western Ohio Conference, Central Division battle at Kettering’s Trent Arena. Don Tate | Greene County News