Ruhlman, who has helped the Lady Dragons win two District 10 titles alongside her older sister Emma, younger sister Sammie and her mom and head coach, Lisa LaVan, received multiple ovations from Warren’s student section and large crowd. The first was when she was honored at half court for senior night. The second was her bucket in a 14-10 first quarter that had Warren off and running.

“The atmosphere was fantastic for her tonight and I grateful for that as her mom and her coach,” said LaVan. “She is the most selfless player I have ever coached. A quiet leader that everyone just adores. ‘GG’ is a four-year starter and has always been the toughness that drives us. She doesn’t light up a scoreboard with points. She does the little things that make her teammates go.”

And go they went in a 19-6 third quarter that blew out second-place Conneaut — which trailed by four points at halftime. It was a freshman scoring in the third; Meea Irwin poured in 11 of her 14 points to help give Warren a 17-point lead.

The Dragons converted seven free throws down the stretch to hold that lead. Gracie’s third ovation came as she left the home court for the final time.

Warren’s only senior was celebrated on “Gracie Day” and she hugs her head coach and mom, Lisa LaVan, as she exits the game to an ovation in the fourth quarter. Photo courtesy of Mark Evans

The Dragons — 16-6 overall and winners of nine straight — are Region 5 champions at 10-0 with the D10 4A playoffs on the horizon. Conneaut is 14-8 and 7-3 respectively.

Little sister Sammie Ruhlman, a junior, led the Dragons with 17 points and six assists. Junior Halle Kuzminski, despite leaving briefly with an ankle, had 11 points and 10 rebounds. Irwin added six rebounds to her big night.

Warren’s defense, which has gotten better and better throughout the season, allowed double digits in only one of four quarters. The Dragons had a little extra motivation on this night.

“This night meant absolutely everything to me,” said Gracie Ruhlman. “The Flannel Panel and all the people that have supported me through the years were there, and it made me so emotional. I absolutely loved it. The best part was playing with my sister and playing for my mom. I will never get over that. It was the best last home game I could have ever asked for and we came out with an amazing win and went completely undefeated in our region, which is insane. I love my teammates, and they have been here for me since the beginning. It was more than I could’ve ever asked for. I’m going to miss the game so much when I’m gone.”

Earlier Thursday, Warren’s junior varsity team (20-2) lost just its second game of the season, 36-33.

Warren junior Halle Kuzminski battles between two Conneaut defenders during a 53-34 Region 5 victory on Thursday at Warren Area High School. Photo courtesy of Mark Evans

CONNEAUT (34)

Detelich 1 0 2, Crabb 0 0 0, CoPerrye 0 0 0, LHarrington 5 3 13, Poff 1 1 3, Brady 5 2 12, EHarrington 1 0 2, CaPerrye 1 0 2. Totals 14 6 34.

WARREN (53)

SRuhlman 6 4 17, Kuzminski 5 1 11, Farr 1 1 3, Davidson 0 2 2, Roell 0 0 0, Stuart 0 3 3, Irwin 5 3 14, Solberg 0 0 0, Barney 0 0 0, GRuhlman 1 1 3, Foster 0 0 0. Totals 18 15 53.

3-pointers — SRuhlman, Irwin.

Conneaut 10 9 6 9 — 34

Warren 14 9 19 11 — 53