Turnovers continue to be a factor for Wilmington as it fell to host Sharpsville in District 10, Region 2AA action.

The Lady ’Hounds (1-3, 5-8) turned the ball over 21 times, 13 times in the second half. Wilmington turned the ball over 17 times against Mercer in a 36-29 loss on Saturday.

Wilmington held a 21-17 lead over the Lady Blue Devils (4-0, 9-3) late in the first half, but seven straight points gave Sharpsville a three-point advantage heading into the break.

“We were ready for the defense, but we didn’t take care of the ball,” Wilmington coach Matt Fabian said. “It was a frustrating second half. But going against one of the best teams in the region, it was nice to see them fight.

“They have to learn to be patient. We were in the first half, but if they want to win games, they have to take care of the ball. The turnovers are the deciding factor. If they want to make the playoffs and get to where we want to get to, we have to take care of the ball.”

Hannah Drake led Wilmington with 14 points.

Fabian has preached patience to his team, but still is waiting for everything to click.

“We’re not a team that can score 50 points a night and go up and down with a team. We need to keep it in the 30s, play good defense and break down the opponent.”

Wilmington now looks to Greenville, Thursday’s opponent, which starts a key stretch for the Lady ’Hounds if they hope to compete for a playoff spot.

“I just hope we get that win on Thursday,” Fabian said. “If we can come out and get the win and get Sharon, that puts us at 3-2 and gives us a shot at the third spot for the playoffs.”