Watterson Turns Pain into Power Against DeSales

Columbus — After a tough 21-point performance and a frustrating 0-for-12 showing from beyond the arc in their previous game, Bishop Watterson was determined to rebound in their rivalry matchup against St. Francis DeSales. The Lady Eagles responded in dominant fashion, cruising to a 64-37 victory. Senior Cameron Spark stole the spotlight with 26 points and nine rebounds, going a perfect 13-for-13 from the field. Spark’s 26 points against DeSales eclipsed Watterson’s entire scoring total from its loss to Dublin Jerome two days prior.

The Lady Eagles controlled the boards with authority, outrebounding St. Francis DeSales 33-18, including 12 offensive rebounds that fueled their offensive rhythm. While the Lady Stallions struggled to connect from beyond the arc, Watterson imposed its will in the paint, shutting down DeSales on both ends of the court. Junior Lilly Mulligan had a pair of three point plays as part of a 15-point, six rebound performance for the Eagles, who sweep the season series from DeSales.

It was the exact response Head Coach Sam Davis had hoped for—a commanding bounce-back performance that left him beaming with pride. “I’m really excited about the way we played offensively. Our spacing was really good, and we didn’t have that against Jerome,” Davis said. “Cam going 13-for-13 on the inside really opened things up for us on the outside.”

Defensively, the Lady Eagles were just as dominant, slowing down DeSales with 11 turnovers and never allowing them to find a rhythm. Davis was just as thrilled with their performance on that end of the floor. “We really clamped them down on defense,” he said. “I am really so proud of our effort on the defensive end.”

Now sitting at 11-7 on the season, the Lady Eagles have navigated the toughest schedule in the Division II Central District, with their opponents boasting a combined winning percentage of 61.8% entering Thursday. Facing Division I powerhouses like Olentangy Liberty and Upper Arlington, Watterson has embraced the challenge.

Davis believes this schedule is crucial in preparing his team for the postseason. “There are really good teams in Division II, and we want non-league games that will make us better,” Davis explained. “The bottom line is that we forgo records to get games that will help us improve.”

The girls basketball district seedings will be determined on Sunday during the tournament draws, and then Watterson will have three games until the playoffs begin. The Lady Eagles rank fourth in the D-2 RPI rankings and are virtually guaranteed remaining a top seed.

Despite the looming postseason, Davis remains grounded, emphasizing a step-by-step approach. “I have a lot of faith in our girls, but there are some really good teams in our region,” Davis said. “Right now, we are focused on Groveport, but I can tell you that if we get there, we will play really hard.”

The Lady Eagles close the season with Groveport-Madison, Bishop Hartley, D-2 Central #1 Big Walnut, and Hilliard Bradley before the playoffs begin.