Rootstown Rolls Past Brookfield to set up Sectional Final Showdown with Smithville

Rootstown, OH- The Rootstown Rovers had one final opportunity to take the floor of the Rover Dome in the 2025-2026 season. They made sure to cap seniors Colbie Curall and Cloe Bengston’s Rover Dome careers off with yet another victory, win number 20 on the season. This one, to the tune of 68-26 against the Brookfield Warriors, sets up another matchup with the Smithies of Smithville Saturday in the D6 District Final at Norwayne High School.

The Rovers controlled the game throughout, building a 22-6 advantage after the 1st quarter. By halftime, the lead had ballooned to 54-15. With a running clock throughout the 2nd half, the scoring tapered off but the Rovers used their patented defensive pressure to force 44 turnovers on the evening. The scoring was balanced, with Junior Elliott Smallfield leading all scorers with 16 points. She was followed by Curall who netted 13, including 3 triples. Sophi Smith also joined the double-digit scorers with 10 on the night while leading the Rovers with 6 boards. All told, 12 Rovers had at least one point on the evening as Coach Joe Leonard was able to empty his bench in the 2nd half with the comfortable lead. The Warriors were led offensively by Lily Horseman who had 8 on the evening.

Saturday’s match-up with Smithville will be their second match-up of the month. On February 10th, the Rovers took to the road and returned with a 48-44 victory. Last season, the two squared off in the Regional Final at Lake High School. It was an instant classic as the Rovers won in dramatic fashion 37-36.