WBK: Tops Clinch Share of OCCAC Title with 67-39 win over Clark State

Playing for a championship is always special and the Tops provided excitement at the Metro Gym on Saturday afternoon as they defeated the Eagles of Clark State Community College to finish as co-champions in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC). The Tops claimed it's first share of a championship in over 30 years (1991).

Quimari Shelton lead all scorers with 29 points. The excitement was electric and the nerves showed early as the Tops scored only 24 first half points. Co-Head Coaches Dion Griffin and Jasmine Frierson must have given a strong pep talk as the Tops roared to a 43-point half to put away the Eagles 67-39 and claim a share of the OCCAC championship.

Shelton grabbed 14 total rebounds (11 offensive) as the Tops controlled the glass and forced 26 turnovers. Tori Smith was the only other double-digit scorer with 11 points. The Tops knocked of the early jitters and gave the Metro crowd something to cheer about the entire second-half.

With a slim 24-18 half time lead, the crowd was a bit uneasy as they cheered for a victory. The Tops responded with a quick 6-0 spurt. Then eventually broke the game open. Marybella Dunlap complimented Shelton as she gobbled 10 boards and made things difficult for the Eagles bigs.

Zarina Fader nailed two big threes, and Briana Bunkley's drives kept the Eagles at bay and secured a first-place tie with the Lakeland Lakers.

Sophomore night was made special by the victory and the cutting of the nets by the Champs!

Next up:

The Lady Tops are the top seed in the upcoming Region XII tournament and will play on Thursday morning March 7th at 9 am agains the winner of Lansing and Kalamzoo Valley.