By CODY LEIST

PDT Sports Writer

Early tip offs test a team’s ability to get off to quick starts.

In Saturday’s noon contest, the Warren Warriors caught the host Portsmouth Trojans sleeping and controlled the game throughout with a 59-39 victory in an SEOAL girls basketball contest.

“You’ve got toe be able to get focused and mentally ready early,” Portsmouth coach Tyson Phillips said. “Nothing worked.”

Jordanna Rauch’s 19 points and Emma Ryan’s 14 led the Warriors (3-1, 2-0) in the contest. The pair combined for 11 of the team’s 33 rebounds.

The Trojans (3-2, 0-2) were plagued by turnovers and droughts during most stretches of the game. They committed 19 of their 25 turnovers in the first half and were on the wrong end of two separate 9-2 scoring runs that eventually broke the game wide open.

Freshman Peighton Williams led Portsmouth with 15 points and seven rebounds. She was 11-for-11 from the free throw line.

“For as bad as we’ve played, Peighton’s been consistent game in and game out,” Phillips said.

Kayleigh White finished with 13 points for the Trojans. While new players stepping up is a positive aspect, seniors Ri-chiel McGraw and Shanice Rollins were held to a combined seven points on three-of-14 shooting.

Portsmouth will look to get back on track and aim for its first conference win Wednesday when the Trojans travel to Chillicothe. Portsmouth was able to get its first conference win last season when they played the Cavaliers in Ross County.

CODY LEIST can be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 242, or cleist@heartlandpublications.com.

Warren 20 13 15 11 — 59

Portsmouth 12 8 12 7 — 39

Warren — Ullman 4-1-9, Lynch 3-1-7, Proctor 2-1-5, Fleming 2-1-5, Rauch 5-5-19, Ryan 7-0-14, Totals 23-9-59.

Portsmouth — Mallory 2-0-4, Williams 2-11-15, McGraw 2-0-4, Rollins 1-1-3, White 5-3-13, Totals 12-15-39.

3-Point Goals — Warren 2 (Rauch 2); Portsmouth None.

Records — Warren 3-1 (2-0); Portsmouth 3-2 (0-2).