BLUFFTON - Dave Kleman’s top-ranked Ottoville squad was the top seed at the Bluffton Division IV sectional.

Instead of taking a bye, the veteran coach decided to enter the tournament early to get his players a game. And although the Big Green dominated Lima Perry 93-46, Kleman was happy to get his veterans and younger players a chance to get on the floor.

“I just wanted to play,” Kleman said. “We were just (sitting around) too long in the past. Ten days is a long time this time of year not to be playing. I asked the girls if this was better than practice and they couldn’t wait to say yes. It gets you up and down (the floor) in game conditions and the younger kids some playing time so if they get thrown into the mix here later on, they won’t be so nervous — hopefully.”

The win sends Ottoville (22-0) to the sectional finals Saturday night at Bluffton against Columbus Grove at 6:15 p.m.

In the nightcap, Kalida ended the Fort Jennings season 49-31.

The Big Green didn’t wait long to take control of this game, outscoring the Commodores 28-5 in the opening quarter. Ottoville scored the first seven points of the game as Taylor Mangas scored five of the points. Perry broke the ice on a free throw by Haley King before the Big Green went on a 16-0 run to take a 23-1 lead. Abbie Siefker had eight points for Ottoville in the run.