LIMA, Ohio — (WLIO) Lima Senior came within inches of a statement win Sunday afternoon at Lima Gymnasium, pushing the top-ranked team in Ohio to the final seconds before falling 68–66 to Lakota West.

The Spartans, entering the matchup undefeated, welcomed the undefeated Firebirds — the No. 1 team in Division I and the state — for the first meeting between the programs since 2000. Despite an early deficit, Lima Senior refused to let the moment overwhelm them.

Lakota West opened the game on a 10–0 run, but the Spartans settled in behind second-chance points from Shawn Foster and timely perimeter shooting. Foster knocked down a three later in the half and finished with 16 points as Lima Senior slowly chipped away.

The momentum swung in the second half. Elynn Stearns provided a spark on the glass, tying the game at 42 with an offensive rebound and putback. Lima Senior trailed by just one heading into the fourth quarter before taking its first lead of the game on a pull-up jumper by Willie Foster.

With the Spartans down four in the closing seconds, Willie Foster attacked the rim for a clutch lay-in, cutting the deficit to two. After a missed free throw by Lakota West, Lima Senior had one final look win it, but the shot was no good.

Willie Foster led his team with 21 points, but Lakota West escaped with the narrow victory, handing Lima Senior their first loss of the season in one of the area’s most anticipated matchups of the season.

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