NEW CARLISLE – The Russia Lady Raiders are headed to the Sweet 16 with a win over the Miami Valley Christian Academy Lady Lions.
Under veteran head coach Michael Bashore, Russia delivered a dominant performance to claim the 2025-2026 OHSAA Division VII District Championship, with a convincing 61-28 to advance in tournament play.
“A lot of hard work goes into this,” said Bashore. “Our girls play so hard, they practice so hard, they do a great job. I am so proud of them.”
The Lady Raiders wasted little time setting the tone, racing out to a 10-0 lead and never looking back on their way to the 33-point district title victory over the Cincinnati school.
“The first half today we were just incredible defensively,” Bashore said. “They do that every game — that’s not a surprise — so we need to continue to keep playing as they have been. It’s fun to coach.”
The district championship adds to what has already been a historic season for the Lady Raiders. One of their primary goals entering the year was to capture the Shelby County Athletic League (SCAL) title — something the program had not accomplished in 32 years.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Bashore said. “That was one of our goals at the beginning. It’s always nice when your girls can set a goal and then get to that point.”
To earn that championship, Russia had to get past perennial powerhouse Ft. Loramie Lady Redskins.
“Ft. Loramie set the standard around here, so for a long time people have been chasing them trying to get to where they are,” Bashore stated. “We finally caught them this year, but that just goes back to how hard my girls work and how much they want to win.”
The Lady Raiders have also been motivated by adversity.
Senior 6’2” Claudia Hoehne suffered a season-ending preseason injury but has remained a constant presence with the team — something Bashore said speaks volumes about her character.
“She’s been at practice every single day since she got hurt,” Bashore said. “She’s best friends with half the people on this team. She was such a great player for us, but she’s been such a positive influence on the bench. For that to happen to her and her to still be here supporting her teammates, that says a lot about her character.
“She’s a high-quality kid. While we were sad when she got hurt, we’re playing for her as well, so that kind of helped us too. She’s just a fantastic kid. We miss her, but she’s here every day and at every practice, helping out where she can with advice. We are really proud she is still with us.”
Bashore was also quick to credit his coaching staff, including longtime friend and assistant coach Bruce Hetzler.
“I have known him a long time. He does such a great job,” Bashore said. “There are lots of times when I’m not at practice to start, he’s there and does such a good job. Our girls really love him. His daughter, Ashley, is with us now, and my JV coach has been with these seniors every single year. He’s moved up with them from seventh grade on, so it’s nice with a family atmosphere around here.
“We all get along really well. I have a great staff. I’m just riding the bus — they’re all driving it.”
Russia (district champions) will face the Morral Ridgedale Lady Rockets, 47-36 winners over Plain City Shekinah Christian, in regional semifinal action Wednesday, March 4 at Vandalia-Butler High School with a 6 p.m. tipoff.
Following that game, the Mississinawa Valley Lady Blackhawks will take on No. 4 seed Cedarville at 7:30 p.m., with both winners advancing to the Regional Championship game Saturday, March 7 at Vandalia-Butler High School at 7 p.m.
“They work really hard,” Bashore said of his team. “I love all 15 of them. They are such great kids to be around. You don’t have to beg them to work hard. They just show up and go to work. They have a lot of goals this year, and we’re about halfway there — so we have to keep working.”
