POTTSVILLE - Extra possessions have been big for Marian throughout this season.

The Fillies’ ability to force turnovers and win the battle on the boards have been key to their impressive 24-2 campaign.

On Wednesday in its District 11 2A semifinal match-up against Northern Lehigh, Marian once again was effective at creating extra possessions for its offense.

The Fillies were able to force 11 first-half turnovers, while out-rebounding the Bulldogs 15-8 in the first half as well, helping them come away with a convincing 57-35 victory, and their second consecutive trip to a District 11 championship.

After a bit of a sluggish offensive start by both teams, Marian’s defensive pressure started to make an impact as it was able to jump out to a 20-7 lead with six minutes remaining in the first half. Leading by seven to start the second, back-to-back three-pointers by freshman Addison Fritz and senior Ashley Pleban got the Fillies offense going, which was also aided by seven Northern Lehigh turnovers in the second quarter.

Marian’s defense held the Bulldogs to a 7-for-21 shooting performance through the first two quarters, allowing it to build a 30-17 lead at the break. Six different Fillies scored in the first half, with Fatikha Tikhtova leading the way with six points.

“I think a balanced approach on both offense and defense is really who we have been all year long,” said Marian head coach Damian Fritz. “When you’re out there playing for each other, playing for your teammates, I think good things are always going to happen for you.

“No one out there cares who scores this many or that many points. When you have that mentality and share the ball, I think you’re going to be successful basketball team.”

A 14-3 run in the third quarter gave Marian a commanding 44-20 lead heading into the fourth. As they have throughout the season, the Fillies like to switch up their defenses to confuse opponents, and that’s exactly what they were able to do in the second half, going to a 1-3-1 zone that stifled the Bulldogs. Northern Lehigh shot just 1-for-12 in the third quarter, while Marian put together its best shooting performance of the game, going 7-for-15 from the field.

Tikhtova got the run started with back-to-back buckets to start the third quarter.

“We’re all about defense. That is what we take pride in, and that is what we work so hard on at practice,” said Tikhtova. “When we are able to force turnovers and then get up and down the floor, that gives us a lot of confidence, and it gives us momentum.”

Another big run for the Fillies to start the fourth quarter would put the game away midway through the frame. A Carly Minchhoff bucket plus the foul, would complete the three-point play and would extend Marian’s lead to 30 (53-23) putting the game into the mercy rule.

“As always, we’re excited and grateful for another opportunity to play for a championship,” said Fritz. “These girls work hard, and one of our goals was once again to win a district title, so we’re looking forward to getting out there and competing on Saturday.”

LEADING SCORERS

… Tikhtova and Minchhoff led the way for the Fillies with 14 points apiece. Frankie Martinelli also chipped in with 13 for Marian. Aubrey Pollard scored a game-high 17 points for the Bulldogs.

BATTLING ON THE BOARDS

… Marian held a significant edge on the boards in the game, with Minchhoff, Tikhtova, Pleban, Martinelli and Kerrigan Digris all collecting five or more rebounds.

NEXT UP

… Marian will take on Tri-Valley on Saturday at Martz Hall. A time for that game is yet to be determined.

NORTHERN LEHIGH

Whalen 1-0-0-2, K. Barthold 2-1-4-5, Pollard 6-4-7-17, D. Barthold 2-0-0-5, Peters 2-0-2-4, Bosch 0-0-0-0, Williams 0-0-0-0, Snyder 0-0-0-0, Motfit 0-0-0-0, Tosh 1-0-0-2, Richards 0-0-0-0. TOTALS: 14-5-13-35.

MARIAN

Minchhoff 5-3-3-14, F. Tikhtova 6-1-2-14, Pleban 2-2-2-8, Martinelli 6-1-2-13, Digris 1-0-0-3, Fritz 1-0-0-3, Thomas 0-0-0-0, Corrado 1-0-0-2, Lombardo 0-0-0-0, Zimmerman 0-0-0-0, Katner 0-0-0-0. TOTALS: 22-7-9-57.

No. Lehigh 7 10 3 15 - 35

Marian 14 16 14 11 - 57

Three-pointers: Marian - Pleban 2, Digris 1, Minchhoff 1, Fritz 1. F. Tikhtova 1; NL - Pollard 1, D. Barthold 1.