ADA – Multi-colored confetti blanketed the Polar Bear at midcourt.

That’s what happens when you are undefeated and NCAA bound.

Ohio Northern proved its balance with Courtney Cramer and Graham High School graduate Lindsey Black leading the offense in a 70-55 victory over Wilmington in the Ohio Athletic Conference tournament women’s championship game Saturday at the ONU Sports Center.

Black came off the bench to notch 13 points and hit 7 of 8 at the foul line down the stretch. Black scored nine of her 13 points in the fourth quarter.

“I didn’t want to watch Wilmington cut down the nets in our gym,” Black said.

ONU (27-0) will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament.

“This is great,” Black said. “I’ve never felt this before.”

Ohio Northern will host the first round of the NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball Tournament and take on Lakeland (Wis.) on Friday in the nightcap of a doubleheader at the ONU Sports Center.

Shafer earns honor

Urbana University junior Danie Shafer has been named honorable mention All-Mountain East Conference in women’s basketball.

WL-S tickets available

Pre-sale tickets for the West Liberty-Salem girls basketball tournament game are on sale at the school office during school hours and at C & R Pharmacy in West Liberty until noon Saturday. The Tigers play Saturday at Springfield High School vs. Badin at 3 p.m. Purchasing pre-sale is encouraged as the school gets a percentage back and the tickets are less expensive than purchasing at the gate.