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Mason ends Jackson girls basketball's 'dream come true' season in OHSAA state semifinals

mike popovich, the repository
·4 min read
Emma Dretke, right, of Jackson drives to the basket for two points past Amanda Barnes of Mason during the first period of their Division I State Semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena Friday in Dayton. Mason won 54-35.
Emma Dretke, right, of Jackson drives to the basket for two points past Amanda Barnes of Mason during the first period of their Division I State Semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena Friday in Dayton. Mason won 54-35.

DAYTON — One tough eight-minute stretch never defines a season.

The Jackson Polar Bears took comfort in that as they left University of Dayton Arena.

All-American center Kyla Oldacre powered Mason to a 54-35 win over Jackson in a Division I state semifinal on Friday. The 6-foot-6 Miami Hurricanes recruit scored 21 points and grabbed 19 rebounds for the Comets (27-2), who advanced to their first championship game in six years.

It took a player of that caliber to end the best season in Jackson girls basketball history.

Emma Dretke, left, of Jackson drives to the basket past Amanda Barnes of Mason during the second period of their Division I State Semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena Friday in Dayton. Mason won 54-35.
Emma Dretke, left, of Jackson drives to the basket past Amanda Barnes of Mason during the second period of their Division I State Semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena Friday in Dayton. Mason won 54-35.

After finishing fourth in the Federal League, the Polar Bears (20-7) stormed through a memorable postseason that will last a lifetime. They won their last four regular-season games and five straight in the tournament to reach the final four for the first time.

"It honestly has been like a dream come true," said guard Emma Dretke, who scored a team-high 13 points in the final game of her Jackson career. "We had high expectations coming into this season. We kind of had some ups and downs, but we just worked so hard to get to this point.

"We made history, the first time ever a Jackson girls team made it this far. Even though the game didn't go our way, we're just so proud of all of us."

Jackson's Megan Campbell collects a rebound in the first half during the OHSAA Division I state seminal game against Mason on Friday at UD Arena in Dayton.
Jackson's Megan Campbell collects a rebound in the first half during the OHSAA Division I state seminal game against Mason on Friday at UD Arena in Dayton.
Leena Patibandla of Jackson hits a 3-pointer to tie the score at 18 the second quarter of a Division I state semifinal at UD Arena, Friday, in Dayton.
Leena Patibandla of Jackson hits a 3-pointer to tie the score at 18 the second quarter of a Division I state semifinal at UD Arena, Friday, in Dayton.

The Polar Bears came to Dayton knowing what awaited them in the semifinals. Mason got here by beating eight-time state champion Cincinnati Mt. Notre Dame last week.

Jackson went into halftime with a shot at pulling the upset. A couple of Leena Patibandla 3s kept the Polar Bears within striking distance, down just 22-18 at the break.

Everything started to unravel in the third quarter. Mason outscored Jackson 20-7. The Polar Bears hit just 3 of 11 shots in the quarter.

Emma Dretke, left, Lauren Pallotta and Halle Ignaccio of Jackson walk off the court after their 54-35 loss to Mason in the Division I State Semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena Friday in Dayton. Mason won 54-35.
Emma Dretke, left, Lauren Pallotta and Halle Ignaccio of Jackson walk off the court after their 54-35 loss to Mason in the Division I State Semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena Friday in Dayton. Mason won 54-35.

"The third quarter kind of snowballed on us," Jackson head coach Anthony Butch said. "Once we started playing from eight, 10 points down, they kind of dictated the game and the tempo.

"Making them play man was our goal, but when they went to that zone it definitely gave us some trouble. We were getting decent looks. ... They didn't fall today. That's the game of basketball."

There was more bad news for the Polar Bears. Oldacre was just getting revved up.

Mason's Kyla Oldacre dribbles around the paint as Jackson's Emma Dretke defends in the first half of the OHSAA Division I state seminal, Friday, at UD Arena in Dayton.
Mason's Kyla Oldacre dribbles around the paint as Jackson's Emma Dretke defends in the first half of the OHSAA Division I state seminal, Friday, at UD Arena in Dayton.

Oldacre closed things out with a double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds in the second half alone. She had a five-inch height advantage over the tallest Jackson starter.

"Her physicality is at a different level than we're used to," Patibandla said.

Patibandla finished with eight points and nine rebounds for Jackson. Lauren Pallotta, who returned from a serious injury last season, also scored eight points.

Emma Dretke, left, of Jackson talks to her teammates before heading out on the court in the final moments of their loss to Mason in the Division I State Semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena Friday in Dayton. Mason won 54-35.
Emma Dretke, left, of Jackson talks to her teammates before heading out on the court in the final moments of their loss to Mason in the Division I State Semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena Friday in Dayton. Mason won 54-35.

The final chapter certainly does not reflect the glorious story the Polar Bears wrote this season.

"The message coming in was no regrets," Butch said. "I thought we played the game we wanted to play and the girls left their hearts on the court. I don't think any of us are going to have regrets.

"I couldn't be more proud to accomplish something with a group like this. We did it the right way. They're just such incredible people. The way they carry themselves and handle themselves. ... I couldn't be more proud of."

More on the Jackson girls basketball team's run to the OHSAA state tournament

Miss any of our coverage the last few weeks? Here's a look at some of our stories on the Polar Bears and their run to Dayton:

OSU's Taylor Mikesell roots on Jackson: Watching Taylor Mikesell taught Jackson girls basketball players how to work, win

Gary Isler's impact at Jackson: 'His ability to teach is his gift': Gary Isler still makes impact as girls basketball coach

Halle Ignacio plays her role for Jackson: Senior point guard Halle Ignacio is often an unsung hero for the Jackson girls basketball team

Jackson's Lydia Umlauf stays involved: 'So deserving of that moment:' Jackson girls basketball's Lydia Umlauf continues to lead after injury

Jackson girls basketball wins regional: 'Ultimate team player' Emma Dretke powers Jackson girls basketball to first OHSAA state tournament

Jackson beats Green in regional semis: Leena Patibandla scores career-high, sends 'laser focused' Jackson girls basketball to regional finals

Jackson upsets state-ranked GlenOak: Jackson 'group is something special' as Polar Bears beat GlenOak to win girls basketball district title

Federal League showdown for district: GlenOak and Jackson girls basketball teams set for DI district final showdown at Perry

Jackson students cheer for their team as they are introduced before heir Division I State Semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena Friday in Dayton. Mason won 54-35.
Jackson students cheer for their team as they are introduced before heir Division I State Semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena Friday in Dayton. Mason won 54-35.

Jackson advances to district finals: 'Energy ... was just different': Jackson girls basketball fires on all cylinders to reach district final

Lauren Pallotta returns from injury: 'She brings a fire to the team': Jackson's Lauren Pallotta beats big challenge, returns from devastating knee injury

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Mason ends Jackson's tournament run in OHSAA state semifinals