Fort edges ’Skins (12/05/05)

FORT LORAMIE, Ohio — In the preseason, Fort Recovery’s veteran players talked about beating the big-time teams on the schedule. They said they had to stop being intimidated by the name on the front of the opposing jersey and just play to their potential.

The Indians took that idea to heart Saturday, winning the first of many high-profile games on their schedule by a 56-55 score over the host Fort Loramie Redskins.

Fort Loramie is widely regarded as one of the best teams in the state, having finished the 2004-05 season ranked fifth in Division IV and making it to the regional round last season before losing by just six points to eventual state champion Xenia Christian. It opened this season with a big victory over Marion Local, another team considered to be a state title contender.

Fort Recovery proved its name belongs in that mix as well, going toe-to-toe with the Redskins on their home floor. The Indians trailed by three at the end of the first quarter and first half, and got to within two with one quarter to play. Five different Tribe players scored in the closing period as the Indians pulled out the one-point win.

Tiffany Gaerke and Holly Stein paced Fort Recovery with 14 points apiece. Eight of Gaerke’s points came in the third quarter, and Stein finished with three 3-pointers.

Sam Staugler also reached double figures with 10 points.

Courtney Reed paced Fort Loramie with 19 points. Erin Schieltz scored 12 points, and Stephanie Drees and Heyley Barhorst each scored 10.[[In-content Ad]]