Photo by Joe Catullo Steubenville’s Makayla Crownover is being defended by Oak Glen’s Liz Orenzuk during Thursday’s game at Oak Glen.

NEW MANCHESTER — Steubenville senior Madison Fields admits she is not off to the best start this season after an impressive freshman campaign.

During the past week or two, the forward that she and head coach Jeff Lombardo expected is making her return, and it all starts at practice where Fields is putting in the hours necessary for success.

“At the beginning of the year, I wasn’t doing that great,” she said. “I was missing a lot of layups and free throws. I just practiced as hard as I could to improve on those. Plus, I couldn’t do it without the passes my teammates give me. It’s just a team effort.”

Her dedication showed Thursday night at Oak Glen. Fields led Big Red with 25 points and 13 rebounds — both game highs — during the team’s 63-46 victory. Seventeen of her points came in the second half when Steubenville (3-4) needed it the most.

“I’m seeing our skill level improve. Madison had 25 (Thursday), and she started off the year a little slower than what she hoped for,” Lombardo said. “But she works so hard at every practice and every time she’s in the game. That’s why good things usually happens to people who do that.”

Complimenting Fields was freshman Makayla Abram. She recorded 17 points (14 in the first half) and 11 boards along with a pair of assists. Abram and Fields were the difference.

“We feel like, against most teams, that we have the advantage inside,” Lombardo said. “Both of our post players are talented. Both know how to go up with both hands. They can hit the long range shots. At the same time, they want to drive it inside.”

Abram’s big first half gave Big Red a 34-15 advantage at the break despite 14 turnovers. It committed 17 in the second half, but Fields made sure to keep the Golden Bears (1-6) away.

Trailing 50-25 to begin the final period, Oak Glen went on a 10-3 run to make things a little interesting. It also played man-on-man defense for the first time this year and forced 10 turnovers. The big hole, though, was too deep to climb out of.

“I thought we were letting ourselves get beat up a little bit in the first half,” Oak Glen coach John Leary said. “We just didn’t match their physicality. We didn’t do a good job getting bodies on them, especially rebounding. We missed eight layups and gave them six points on inbounds plays.

“I knew that if we played zone in the fourth quarter, they were just going to play keepaway. There was nothing to lose at that point.”

Alexa Andrews had her best game at the varsity level, according to Leary, with 12 points and three rebounds. Taylor Jackson tallied eight points and two assists off the bench. Alayna Kranis had a team-high 11 rebounds and three points. Maggie Kovalcik, playing her second full game this season, added three points and three boards.

Outside of Fields and Abram, Seana Ragusa recorded 10 points, three rebounds and three assists for Big Red. Makayla Crownover only had four points and four assists off the bench, but Lombardo said her defense overshadowed that. Sarah Brown added four points, four boards and five dimes.

“We were able to overcome (the turnovers) because we got ourselves easy looks,” Lombardo said. “Ultimately, I was not happy with the way we played. We feel like we can play better. We had a lot of unforced turnovers, but that’s a testament to Coach Leary. He had those girls moving. They continued to press and make us uncomfortable.”

Shadyside 52, Linsly 41

WHEELING – Despite falling to the visiting Tigers, Linsly’s Charlie Allison recorded a double-double, which included 18 points and 11 rebounds.

Josie Purpura also turned in nine points for the Cadets.

North Marion 55

Wheeling Park 42

FARMINGTON–North Marion scored 21 points in the second quarter on its way to upending visiting Wheeling Park.

The Patriots were led by Asia Roby with 12 points.

Bridgeport 46, Beallsville 44, OT

BRIDGEPORT–The Bulldogs edged visiting Beallsville in overtime behind 19 points from Marissa Beal.

Kamden Dulesky also chipped in with 11 points. Ashlie Louden paced the Blue Devils with 12 points and Dagan Hossman added 10.

Bellaire 64, Martins Ferry 28

MARTINS FERRY–Taylor Stoner accounted for 15 points to lead visiting Bellaire over Martins Ferry.

Cierra Davis accumulated 14, Katrina Davis supplied 13 and Maci Crozier added 11.

Madison Ging led the Riders with 11 points.

Caldwell 62, Monroe Central 41

WOODSFIELD–Caldwell delivered a 23-point third quarter to spark a road win over Monroe Central.

Kirsten Friday led the Seminoles with 11 points.

Shenandoah 47, Barnesville 35

SARAHSVILLE–The Shamrocks were held to one point in the opening quarter as Shenandoah went on to secure a home victory.

Dulcie Christman led Barnesville with a double-double, which included 17 points, 15 rebounds, along with five blocks.

Indian Creek 63, Edison 27

RICHMOND–Indian Creek led 32-10 at the half and Taylor Jones finished with 12 points as the Redskins upended host Edison.

The Wildcats were led by Kayla Huff’s 11 points.

Boys

Valley 55, Clay-Battelle 53

PINE GROVE–Levy Streets poured in 26 points to lead Valley to a narrow home victory over Clay-Battelle.

Avery Kinkade and Ethan Greathouse each helped the cause with 11 points.

Levy Carrico paced Clay-Battelle with 17 points, while Seth Casion netted 15 and Gunner Brummage tallied 13.

Swimming

Boys

1. Beaver Local 150,

2. Brooke 104, 3. University 75, 4. Steubenville Central 8

WELLSBURG–The Brooke 400 relay team of Joe Siudak, Anthony Taylor, Ethan Robey and Noah Horvath lifted the Bruins to a runner-up position, behind winner Beaver Local.

Girls

1. Beaver Local 154,

2. University 97, 3. Brooke 74,

4. Steubenville Central 47

WELLSBURG–The Brooke girls 200 medley relay team of Emily Donley, Bethany Harlan, Mary Ossman and Cammie Hill paced the Bruins with a time of 2:15.99.

Wrestling

Steubenville 39

New Lexington 24

STEUBENVILLE–Big Red’s Anthony Rice (138), Jashon Hubbard (152) and Bill Murray (126) all won by pin as Steubenville upended New Lexington on the mat.