Western Reserve Academy closed out a perfect weekend with a hard-fought 56–48 victory over Orangeville Prep (CAN) on Saturday, earning a 3–0 week and securing a berth in the National Prep Championship for the third consecutive season.
In a rematch of last year's competitive matchup, the Bears came out sharp and controlled much of the first half. Despite strong defensive efforts by the Pioneers, Orangeville Prep carried a narrow 23–21 advantage into halftime.
Reserve wasted little time flipping the momentum after the break. Eva Barron '27 found Nina Bilic '28 for an and-one, followed by a transition three from Maliyah Lofton '26 to give the Pioneers an early second-half lead. The teams traded baskets throughout the third quarter until Avery Childress '29 connected with Mia Lindal '26 in the corner for a three-pointer that put WRA ahead 35–32. That shot sparked a decisive 13–1 run that gave the Pioneers breathing room heading into the fourth.
Orangeville Prep refused to go quietly, cutting the deficit to 45–42 with 4:30 remaining. Lofton answered with a clutch three to push the lead back to six, but two quick Bears baskets made it a two-point game with just over a minute to play. A timely steal by Barron with 40 seconds left swung possession back to WRA, and sophomore Kobi Marsden '28 delivered the dagger—attacking the rim and finishing a crucial and-one with just over 20 seconds remaining to seal the win.
Lofton led the Pioneers with 16 points, four rebounds, and two steals. Barron filled the stat sheet with 10 points, nine rebounds, three steals, and three assists, while Marsden added eight points and the game-clinching play. Bilic contributed seven points and four rebounds, Emerie Davis '27 grabbed nine rebounds to go with six points and three assists, and Lindal chipped in five points and two steals.
With Nationals secured, the Pioneers turn their attention to a busy week ahead, hosting Example Academy (IL) on Wednesday and Thursday before traveling to Laurel School on Saturday. Go Pioneers!
