Cody Leist

PDT Sports Writer

WAVERLY — Ariel Schwieckart gave the phrase “leaving it all out on the floor” a new meaning Thursday night.

The senior guard led all scorers with 22 points despite having a reversal of fortune as No. 2 Ironton survived a hot-shooting first half from No. 6 Peebles and advanced with a 37-34 win in a Division III Southeast District Semifinal at Waverly’s Downtown Gymnasium. The Fighting Tigers will play in a March 3 district final at Ohio University’s Convocation against No. 1 Adena, which defeated No. 4 Crooksville 45-25 earlier that evening.

The first half entertained both crowds as Ironton was 10-of-32 from the field and held a 21-9 rebounding edge in a contest that had both teams playing zone. The only problem for the Fighting Tigers was the fact that the Indians, whose biggest lead was 11-2 early in the game, were 7-of-10 from 3-point range to make it a 26-25 lead for Ironton going into the locker room.

It took 1:04 into the third quarter for play to be halted for several minutes after Schweickart lost her lunch. She rested for a short time frame and returned to the floor where did not come out the rest of the contest.

During that same quarter, Peebles’ Alex McFarland buried a triple to give the Indians a 28-27 lead. It was the final make from beyond the arc from her team.

Heading into the fourth trailing 32-21, defensive stops and converting on rare opportunities proved to be the keys for the Fighting Tigers. Schweickart’s go-ahead runner with more than two minutes left in regulation proved to be the game-winner. Peebles was also held to 1-of-5 shooting in the fourth with six turnovers.

Hayleigh Swayne led the Indians with 10 points in her final high school contest.

Peebles — McFarland 3-0-8, Brown 2-0-6, Swayne 4-0-10, Justice 2-0-6, Wallace 1-2-4, Totals 12-2-34.

Ironton — Washington 1-0-2, Barrier 2-2-6, Schweickart 8-3-22, McMackin 1-0-2, Murphy 2-0-5, Totals 14-5-37.

3-Point Goals — Peebles 8 (McFarland 2, Brown 2, Swayne 2, Justice 2); Ironton 4 (Schweickart 3, Murphy).