Hilliard Bradley steps outside its identity and finds a signature win

Hilliard — You could feel how badly they wanted this signature victory.

Led by Tate Dudley’s double-double, Hilliard Bradley knocked off Upper Arlington 46–36 on Friday night in Hilliard.

“You got to be strong, they are really physical,” Dudley said postgame. “Beating UA shows who we are and what we can bring to the table.”

Hilliard Bradley head coach Brock Oakes told me in the hallway afterward that he doesn’t love the spotlight. But after knocking off Upper Arlington, he’s bound to draw attention whether he wants it or not.

The Lady Jaguars aren’t built a physical way. They’re a perimeter-oriented team, far more comfortable taking a three than driving into the paint.

That identity comes with its risks. When the shots aren’t falling, things can unravel quickly. Against Upper Arlington, things weren’t falling and at risk of unraveling.

Struggling from deep and at the free-throw line, the Lady Jaguars adjusted to the moment and adapted to their environment. It was the most revealing trait of this Bradley team, and a defining moment in their young season.

“We don’t have a ton of basketball experience, but we have a ton of great kids and great athletes,” Oakes said. “With us being undersized, we are going to have to fight for every single thing. I couldn’t be any prouder of our kids for their toughness and grittiness.”

Bradley piled up 13 offensive rebounds, forced nine turnovers, and scored 32 points in the paint, an identity adaptation that powered them to a win over the defending OCC champions.

They went toe-to-toe with a physical team that outsized them. They stepped outside their comfort zone. They played with a hunger to prove themselves.

Tate Dudley recorded a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Sophia Lopez and Lexi Fabb added six and five rebounds, respectively, while Fabb also contributed three steals and eight points.

Afterwards, the cheers were loud from the Bradley locker room.

“One of our seniors told me that they had never beaten Upper Arlington before,” Oates said. “It’s nice that they can have these moments and do something that they’ve never accomplished before.”

Looking ahead, there’s real potential for a big season at Bradley. After falling to unbeaten Dublin Coffman earlier in the week, this win is a springboard of confidence.

Dudley says the goal is to win the league, while Oakes’ message centers on steady growth and progression as a team.

“I just told them about using this as a stepping stone,” Oakes said. “We are right in line for all the things we want to do. We want to get over the district title hump and into a regional semifinal.”

Hilliard Bradley (2-2, 1-1 in OCC) returns to action on Tuesday against Lancaster on the road.