Zeis-led Tornadoes blow by Warriors

The Columbian players wanted extra days off of practice for Thanksgiving break. After a dominant 58-40 non-league victory over Ontario Tuesday night, coach Morgan Harrigan granted them that request. TC (2-0) came out fast and went up and down the court on both ends, wreaking havoc for Ontario's offense, causing 10 first-quarter turnovers, which led to a 23-13 advantage. The Tornadoes didn't let up as it outscored the Warriors 14-5 in the second quarter to really gain separation and cruised from there.The key was the press in the first quarter and the pressure defense throughout as Ontario (2-1) committed 35 turnovers."I credit the positive energy we've had. We talked about what we're thankful for before the game as we're thankful for the opportunity to play this sport and represent something bigger than ourselves – Tiffin Columbian," Harrigan said. "They were really working hard, they wanted a couple days off of practice and with that win, I told them go ahead and take a couple days. "That's the team I've been seeing in practice and I think we settled in a little bit, so I'm excited to keep growing."Mia Zeis, a senior forward, is going to be a matchup problem for most teams this season. She has the height and length to shoot over a guard, but she's too quick and speedy for a post to guard her. That was evident Tuesday as Zeis led TC in scoring with 21 points and left a lot of Warrior defenders in the dust on her way to the hoop."This is the Mia I thought we could see last year, but she just didn't believe in herself at that point," Harrigan said. "That really started throughout last season, but in the summer she started taking more ownership, getting some looks from some colleges started sparking her and a trigger in her head that let her know that she needs to have that confidence. That's what she's been showing every day in practice. "We're seeing that speed. She is hands down the fastest person with a basketball in her hand that I've ever seen. That's high school, college, period. I've never coached against or coached someone that has the speed Mia has."After trading baskets to begin the game, TC started to take over with a 7-0 run behind a 3-pointer from Lexi Beaston and consecutive buckets from Zeis. The Tornadoes really started to pour it on last in the opening period, causing turnovers on defense and then getting easy looks offensively. Ontario got within 23-17 to begin the second, but then TC finished the half with a 14-1 run as Marissa Allen scored five points, Zeis dropped in four points, Maddy Richie completed a three-point play and Beaston made a layup as TC led 37-18 at the half.TC managed around a 20-point lead for much of the second half and then upped that to 58-30 after a Madi Shriver basket midway through the fourth.Rylee Milner led Ontario with 10 points, followed by Elaina Owens with three triples for nine points. Backing Zeis for TC were Beaston with 11 points and Allen with seven points. In all, eight players scored for the Tornadoes."It's nice to establish our new identity this year and figure out that we can be pretty good as long as we keep working and stick together," Harrigan said. "We just need to keep having fun on the court together." Columbian 58, Ontario 40Ontario (2-1): Elaina Owens 3-0-9; Gracy Miller 1-1-4; Natlie Smith 0-0-0; Addi Pittman 4-0-8; Carlie Schnittke 1-1-3; Kennedy Sapp 0-0-0; Tai Bise 1-0-2; Rylee Milner 4-2-10; Morgan Pearson 2-0-4. Totals: 16-4-40.TC (2-0): Genevieve Cleveland 0-0-0; Madi Shriver 2-0-5; Mia Zeis 9-3-21; Marissa Allen 3-0-7; Caroline Newlove 1-0-2; Kenzie Felske 1-0-3; Lily Allen 0-0-0; Lexi Beaston 5-0-11; Chloe Heyman 1-2-4; Maddy Richie 2-1-5. Totals: 24-6-58.O&emsp;&emsp;13&emsp;&emsp;5&emsp;&emsp;12&emsp;&emsp;10&emsp;&emsp;– 40TC&emsp;&emsp;23&emsp;&emsp;14&emsp;&emsp;14&emsp;&emsp;7&emsp;&emsp;– 583-point goals: Ontario: 4 (Owens 3, Miller); TC 4 (Shriver, M. Allen, Felske, Beaston)Foul shots: Ontario 4-8; TC 6-14Turnovers: Ontario 35; TC 24