Girl’s Basketball: Defense leads Junior Chargers past Chemics

by Cory Butzin

The junior Charger’s defense was suffocating Friday night as they built a 13-point lead while holding the Chemics scoreless for much of the first period on their way to a 55-32 win at Midland High School.

“That was what we talked about in practice the last couple weeks,” said Dow coach Kyle Theisen. “To make sure they didn’t get an opportunity to score and set up in their offense. You saw, when they did get the open shots they hit them.”

Midland wasn’t able to find an open shot until the last minute of the first quarter, when Randi Cain put back an offensive rebound with 34 seconds remaining in the first. By that time the damage was done, as Dow was able to build a 15-2 lead going into the second.

“There’s no doubt that scoring points comes hard for us,” said Midland coach Larry Kastl. “If you have a team that can generate points in a hurry, nothing bothers you as much. Turnovers don’t bother you as much. Missed shots don’t bother you as much when you know you have offense just around the corner.”

The Chemics had a little help generating some offense in the second quarter, as Dow put Midland in the bonus early. Midland hit only 6-of-13 from the line, but those extra points combined with an effective defensive press helped the Chemics cut the Chargers’ lead to 21-16 at the half.

“I was extremely pleased with our effort in the second quarter,” Kastl said. “I think anyone who saw the game had to admire the effort that the girls gave.”

Theisen agreed, saying that Midland’s press gave his team trouble in the second quarter. Luckily they were able to settle down at the break and come out focused and hitting open shots. Taylor Thurston led the way with 14 points.

“Taylor Thurston’s been huge coming off the bench for us this year,” Theisen said. “Every time she gets an open shot, it seems like she hits it.”

Hitting those open shots helped Dow’s lead grow back to double digits with the score 37-25 heading into the fourth.

In the final quarter the Chemics went cold from the field again, scoring only seven points and allowing Dow to coast to the victory.

Kristin Mills chipped in with 9 points for the Chargers offensively.

Meanwhile, Midland was led by Rachel Sugnet who finished with nine points and Katy Porterfield who finished with five.

The win pushes Dow’s record to 4-4 on the year. They are in action again Dec. 28 when they travel to Bullock Creek. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Midland’s record drops to 4-4. They return to the court Jan. 3 when they travel to Saginaw to take on the Lumberjacks of Arthur Hill. Game time is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

For more photos from Friday’s game click on “Photo Slideshow” in the top right corner of this article.

Photos by Cory Butzin