Delphos Jefferson’s Lauren French shoots against Lincolnview’s Brooklyn Byrne during Thursday’s game at Delphos Jefferson High School.
Richard Parrish | The Lima News
DELPHOS – Delphos Jefferson girls basketball coach Denise Lindeman wanted to keep the game plan simple for Thursday’s key Northwest Conference matchup against visiting Lincolnview.
And that’s what her team did.
Delphos Jefferson fed the basketball to 6-foot-3 post player Lauren French at every opportunity on Thursday. The result was a 32-point, 15-rebound performance from French as Delphos Jefferson rolled to a 65-40 victory over Lincolnview.
With the win, Delphos Jefferson improved to 17-3 overall and 6-1 in the NWC. Lincolnview slipped to 12-9 in all games played and 4-3 in the conference.
“I was like, ‘Let’s don’t complicate this today girls. … Get the ball to Lauren’. And Lauren delivered today,” Lindeman said with a grin. “She was a beast inside. I can’t say enough about that kid. Her drive over the last two weeks has been phenomenal. It’s just so awesome to see. … It’s her senior year. She left it out there on the court today.”
French missed a good portion of games this season, due to an injury. She said she was anxious to get back on the court.
“I definitely did not want to be out (of the lineup), but I needed it,” French said. “I was at practice every day, working to get better. As soon as the trainer gave me the OK, I was back in. It took a few days to get my feet back, but I definitely wanted to jump back in.”
Along with French’s stellar performance for Delphos Jefferson on Thursday, teammate Lyv Lindeman had 18 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Madison Burris added seven points, including two 3-pointers for the Wildcats.
Emerson Walker paced Lincolnview on Thursday with 12 points. Addysen Stevens scored eight points, including two 3-pointers. Keira Breese added seven points and eight boards for the Lancers.
After two lead changes in the first quarter, Delphos Jefferson slipped out with a 19-16 lead at the first stop.
That was as close as the score would get.
The Wildcats pulled out to a 30-18 advantage by the halftime break.
Delphos Jefferson’s lead ballooned to 19, 48-29 by the end of the third quarter.
In the final eight minutes of action, French scored 12 points on 5 of 5 shooting from the floor, along with two made free throws.
French credited her teammates for getting her the ball down low.
“My team is great at passing. And if I know that I’m not going to make a shot, I kick it right back out. It goes both ways,” French said.
Delphos Jefferson shot 48.9 percent from the field, while Lincolnview connected on 41 percent of its field-goal attempts.
Delphos Jefferson committed just six turnovers, while Lincolnview turned the ball over 12 times on the night.
“I thought our guards did a phenomenal job on switching with the ball (on defense),” Lindeman said. “I thought this was a great team win. I’m so proud of the girls. They executed our offense and rebounded the ball really well.”
Delphos Jefferson had a 30-23 edge over Lincolnview on rebounding.
The Wildcats need to beat Columbus Grove next Thursday to grab a piece of the NWC title.
“It’s nice to see our team gel at this time of the year,” Lindeman said. “Our girls come to practice every day with some energy. You can’t say enough about this team. We have to keep working. We have a big game next week.”
Delphos Jefferson 65, Lincolnview 40
Score by quarters
Lincolnview 16 2 11 11 – 40
Delphos Jefferson 19 11 18 17 – 65
LINCOLNVIEW
Ashlyn Price 1, Kassidy Hammons 3, Keira Breese 7, Emerson Walker 12, Addysen Stevens 8, Brooklyn Byrne 7, Ella Elling 2. Totals: 16-5-40.
DELPHOS JEFFERSON
Kyah Kimmet 2, Madison Burris 7, Lyv Lindeman 18, Claire Brinkman 3, Carolyn Mueller 3, Lauren French 32. Totals: 23-16-65.
3-pointers made: Lincolnview – Emerson Walker 1, Addysen Stevens 2; Delphos Jefferson – Madison Burris 2, Lyv Lindeman 1
Records: Lincolnview 12-9, 4-3 NWC; Delphos Jefferson 17-3, 6-1 NWC
