“To say we weren’t prepared would be an understatement,” said Warren coach Jenny Phillips, whose Dragons are 6-9 overall after more than a week layoff. “We watched film, knew their offense and how they would defend. We also knew it would be physical, but in the first half had a hard time adjusting.”

Seven Erie players scored in a 28-18 first half, led by 9 from Aubrey Neavins. She would end up the leading scorer with 11 points. The Royals are 7-3 overall.

“Erie is a very athletic, physical team and limited us when it came to offensive options,” said Phillips. “I told the girls at halftime, you need to play smart, equal their physicality, and get to the foul line.”

Peyton Wotorson led Warren with 10 points and Emily Davidson added 6, including 4-for-4 at the line.

Warren’s Emma Roell goes for two on Monday in the Dragons’ 48-28 Region 7 loss at Warren Area High School. Photo by Mark Evans

“Emily Davison played her best game of the season tonight; she took the ball to the hoop, made her free throws, and took two charges on the defensive end,” said Phillips. “She stepped up big-time tonight and made plays when we needed them. We got to within 8, but just couldn’t close the gap and Erie just kept getting opportunities.”

ERIE (48)

Renwick 2 0 5, D.Neavins 2 2 7, Gaston 1 1 3, Vega 1 0 2, Williams 4 1 9, Thomas 1 0 2, Person 2 0 4, A.Neavins 4 3 11, Sanders 2 0 5. Totals 19 7-10 48.

WARREN (28)

Cullers 0, Farr 1 0 3, Davidson 1 4 6, E.Roell 1 1 4, Stuart 2 1 5, Wotorson 5 0 10, Richards 0, Bennett 0, Solberg 0, Rodgers 0, Rarey 0, Hagg 0. Totals 10 6-10 28.

3-pointers: Renwick, D.Neavins, Sanders, Farr, E.Roell.

Erie 17 11 14 6 — 48

Warren 8 10 9 1 — 28