It was all Knights as they played strong, quick defense paired with impressive offensive performances from Clara Steinberg and Lainey Font. To add to Steinberg’s performance, she also surpassed Warren’s Emma Ruhlman (Class of 2022) to become Warren County’s fourth all-time leading scorer.

The Dragons had a solid performance by Peyton Hagg on the boards and the freshman pair of Joanna Bennett and Molly Richards continue to improve. Eisenhower used its experience to overpower the Dragons, take control early, and never give up the lead. The Knights would often have five seniors on the floor at the same time.

“The girls came out on fire, and they really wanted the win,” Eisenhower head coach DJ Steinberg said. “Our defense and offense were excellent. Laney Belcher did her thing defensively and added some offense, too.”

Coach Steinberg added: “Riley (Robinault) was a monster on the boards. Sam (Childs) played great defense, and Font and Clara were hard to stop.”

Photo by Mark Evans Warren’s Peyton Wotorson, middle, drives to the basket as Eisenhower’s Riley Robinault, left, and Clara Steinberg defend.

Noted Warren head coach Jenny Phillips: “Peyton Hagg had a good game tonight as she finally used her strengths to her advantage to get her opportunities. If she can continue to maintain the physicality that’s needed, the sky is the limit for her. Molly (Richards) and Joanna (Bennett), along with some other underclassmen, have lots of potential and are working to find their chemistry with the older girls. I am asking a lot of them and they’re doing a good job learning how to find their place. To me, they aren’t freshmen anymore, and as the season goes on, I’m excited to see what they do.”

Font had 22 points, with 20 of them in the first half. Clara Steinberg also had 22, with Laney Belcher also in double digits with 10. Riley Robinault pitched in 4 and Samantha Childs added 2..

Pacing the Dragons was Peyton Hagg with 9 points followed by Joanna Bennett with 8, and Molly Richards with 6. Emma Roell contributed 5 points, and Peyton Wotorson added a bucket.

“The EHS team has a lot of talent and experience on their side with great team chemistry. I wish them luck in the rest of their season,” Phillips concluded.

Coach Steinberg added, “We have to do a better job limiting silly turnovers and being a little more patient working for a good shot offensively. To beat Warren is a huge accomplishment as they are always really good, well coached, and just an overall great program.”

The Dragons are right back at it today when they travel to Mercyhurst Prep to take on the Lakers.

The Knights will play in the Lakeview Tournament next Monday and Tuesday.