The Paulding Panthers fought valiantly but ultimately fell to the Ottawa-Glandorf Titans in a hard-fought District Finals showdown on Saturday, February 22, at Defiance High School. The Titans, led by a strong defensive performance and a balanced offensive attack, pulled away late to secure a 45-32 victory and advance in the postseason.
Both teams came out with high intensity, setting the tone for a physical contest. Paulding’s Addison Pease sparked the Panthers early with aggressive drives, scoring 10 points to keep her team in the fight. However, Ottawa-Glandorf’s Alivia Grothause and Carlie Brinkman countered with efficient shooting, helping the Titans to a slim lead by the end of the first quarter.
By halftime, Ottawa-Glandorf led 23-17, thanks to a well-executed defensive effort that limited Paulding’s interior scoring. Savannah Recker provided a critical boost for the Titans, controlling the boards and adding key second-chance points.
The Panthers refused to back down in the third quarter, with Brooklynn Schlatter and Kayleigh Dunham adding key baskets to cut into the Titans’ lead. However, Karsyn Erford and Ella White stepped up for Ottawa-Glandorf, combining for clutch plays that kept Paulding at arm’s length.
The Titans ramped up their defensive pressure in the fourth quarter, forcing turnovers and capitalizing on transition opportunities. Megan Horstman and Greta Liebrecht knocked down late free throws to seal the victory, as Ottawa-Glandorf closed out the game on a 12-5 run.
Paulding Panthers:
Addison Pease – 10 points
Brooklynn Schlatter – 8 points
Kayleigh Dunham – 4 points
Brooklyn Bakle – 4 points
Tori Schlatter – 4 points
Estie. Pease – 2 points
Ottawa-Glandorf Titans:
Alivia Grothause – 8 points
Karsyn Erford – 22 points
Kaelyn Grothause – 5 points
Madison McKee – 5 points
Kaitlyn Kimmet – 3 points
Carlie Brinkman – 2 points
Despite the loss, Paulding’s season was marked by resilience and growth, with key contributions from a young core that will be back next year. Head Coach Matt Arellano praised his team’s effort, stating, “Our girls gave everything they had tonight. We knew Ottawa-Glandorf was a tough team, but I’m proud of how we competed. This experience will only make us stronger.”
The Titans now turn their focus to the next round, where they will face another tough opponent in their bid for a deep postseason run.
