WINTERSVILLE — A fast start propelled the Indian Creek girls’ basketball team a big win on senior night.

Indian Creek scored the first eight points, and led by as many as 33 in the fourth en route to defeating Minerva, 55-30, in a varsity-only game Saturday afternoon on Coach D Court.

“We definitely started off with a lot of energy,” Indian Creek (11-7) head coach Steve Eft said. “We pressured their guards. We got after it. We really played well.”

Keyed by their 8-0 run to start the game, the Redskins took a 15-6 lead at end of the first quarter. The Red-and-Gold delivered another string quarter in the second as they outscored the Lions (7-13), 20-6, in the second to extend their advantage to 35-12 going into the locker room at halftime.

“We had seen them on film,” Eft said. “They play a number of different defenses. We had to be prepared for anything. They used a box-and-1 on Mac. We were not expecting that, but we handled it well.”

Indian Creek outscored Minerva, 15-7, in the third to increase its advantage to 50-19 entering the fourth. The Redskins led by 33 in the fourth before a late run dropped the Lions’ deficit down to 25. The visitors did outscore the hosts, 11-5, in the fourth.

“I want to commend our five starters,” Eft said. “We have had to deal with some injuries, first with Gabby (Taylor) and now with Gracie Wiley. She was playing well. Riley Sadler has really stepped up for us with her leadership and her rebounds. She has been a key to our success.

Kaydence Walker recorded a game-high 19 points to lead the way offensively for Indian Creek, while McKenna Scott collected 16.

“I challenged Kaydence Walker to step up in the second quarter because they were running a box-and-1 on McKenna, and she came out and scored 10 points in the quarter.”

Emma Catlett tallied a team-high eight points to lead the way for the Lions.

Prior to the start of the game, Indian Creek honored its two seniors – Camryn Ketron and Scott.

“Those two have been huge for the program,” Eft said. “You always hate to lose seniors, but those two are pretty special. I have worked with them since I took over the program. They are great leaders. They are great teammates. They’re just great kids. They are going to go on and do outstanding things with their lives. I could not ask for two better seniors.”

Scott has signed to play softball at Purdue Fort Wayne, while Ketron has signed to play volleyball at Mercyhurst.

Indian Creek is slated to play Harrison Central at 6 p.m. tonight on the road in a varsity-only game in the semifinals of the OVAC Class 4A Tournament. The Huskies are the top seed in the tournament, while the Redskins are the No. 4 seed.

“We are going to have to start getting prepared tomorrow to get ready to play Harrison Central in the OVAC’s Monday,” Eft said. “Harrison Central is going to be ready to play.”

The Redskins won both regular season games against the Huskies this season. It can be hard to beat one team three times in a season.

“I have been thinking about that,” Eft said. “We are going to get their best. Harrison Central is going to be ready. Coach (Chase) Smith does a great job. We are going to have to be ready.”

Alliance is slated to play Wednesday night at Dover. The Crimson Tornadoes are not participating in the OVAC Tournament this season.

Indian Creek 55, Minerva 30

Minerva 6 6 7 11 – 30

Indian Creek 15 20 15 5 – 55

MINERVA (7-13): Lippincott 0 0-0 0, Kirkpatrick 1 2-2 4, Catlett 2 2-2 8, Crissman 0 0-0 0, Sanor 1 0-0 3, French 1 0-0 3, Retting 1 0-0 2, Stolzfus 1 3-4 5, Beaumariage 1 0-0 3, Marckel 1 0-0 2, Shick 0 0-0 0, Benedict 0 0-0 0. TOTALS: 9 7-8 30.

INDIAN CREEK (11-7): Walker 7 3-6 19, Scott 4 6-6 16, Sadler 1 3-4 5, Kinesmith 3 2-2 9, Cozart 0 0-0 0, Miller 0 0-0 0, Heck 0 0-0 0, Tirpak 0 0-0 0, Ketron 1 1-2 3, Florczak 1 0-0 3. TOTALS: 17 15-20 55.

3-POINTERS: Minerva 5 (Catlett 2, French, Sanor, Marckel); Indian Creek 6 (Walker 2, Scott 2, Klinesmith, Florczak)