Ellet's Caitlyn Holmes and Loudonville's Corri Vermilya put on a show; Ellet defeats Loudonville 63-45

LOUDONVILLE, Ohio – In a game that showcased two of the best guards in Ohio on Tuesday night, Ellet came out on top with a 63-45 road win over Loudonville.

The game was billed by many as a matchup between Loudonville junior guard Corri Vermilya and Ellet sophomore guard Caitlyn Holmes, the first time the two had met on the court since playing in the June 3-on-3 league and tournament last summer.

The two did not disappoint, as Holmes finished with 24 points, six rebounds, six blocked shots, five steals and three assists, while Vermilya knocked down six 3-pointers on her way to a game-high 32 points and also had 11 rebounds, two steals and two assists.

“I would say for a late season basketball game, getting to watch two of the best guards in Ohio play, that was a treat tonight,” Loudonville head coach Tyler Bates said.

The two really showed out in the second half, started by Holmes.

With Ellet leading 24-21 at halftime, Holmes came out in the third quarter and knocked down a 3-pointer and then got a steal and a layup before showing off her ball handling skills to navigate around multiple defenders on her way to the basket for another layup to make it 31-21.

She had seven points, two blocked shots and a steal in the first 2:45 of the third quarter as Ellet stretched out their lead.

“She came out and got herself going and as she goes, we go,” Ellet head coach Nick Harris said.

Vermilya did her best to keep the Redbirds close.

She knocked down a pair of 3s in the second half of the third quarter, including one from about 25 feet with 55 seconds left in the period and brought Loudonville back to within seven after three. Vermilya then hit another 3-pointer to start the fourth quarter.

“(Corri) is a good player, she’s a great shooter,” Holmes said. “It is hard to stay on her. She is really skilled.”

But Holmes was in her bag again in the fourth quarter, with three steals that led to layups, including one where she missed the first attempt and got her own rebound before making the putback.

One thing both players had in common was their willingness and ability to get their teammates involved in the game, something both players do on a regular basis.

When her shot wasn’t falling early, Vermilya was finding open teammates for shots.

“I think most of the time, we can count on her to make the right decision,” Bates said. “We know if she can get it to one of her teammates for an open shot, she is going to do that.”

As for Holmes, she had a defender with her at all times and was face-guarded for almost the entire 31 minutes she was in the game. But she still did anything she could to help her team.

“She was the sole focal point of their defense and I think she showed how much she is able to help other players,” Harris said. “She set screens, she back cut, she made plays on defense. She found a way to make an impact even with that immense challenge.”

While it would have frustrated most players, especially those who are only 15 years old like Holmes, the sophomore tries to stay calm and lead her team.

“I know if I lose my head, the team is going to react to how I react,” Holmes said. “I just have to be a leader and keep my head up. They are going to feed off my energy.”

Harris loves his leader’s composure, but also her energy, even if she sometimes has to bring it down a little.

“I have been lucky to coach some talented players, but I always tell everybody Caitlyn is the most composed young person I have ever coached,” Harris said. “She gets a little mouthy in the sense of being competitive and she reins it in, but I like where the energy is from. I have always said I would rather have a young person I have to pull back a little than one I have to ramp up.”

When the game was over, the two coaches heaped praise on the opposing guards.

“Corri is a hell of a player, she is unbelievable,” Harris said.

And Bates would urge people to check out Holmes whenever they get a chance.

“Caitlyn is a special player,” Bates said. “I would encourage anyone in Northeast Ohio who hasn’t seen her play to take a trip and watch her play basketball because she is worth the price of admission.”

Those in attendance on Tuesday night certainly got their money's worth from both Holmes and Vermilya.

Photo Gallery (photos by Jeff Harwell)