Girl’s Basketball: Varsity Chargers get revenge against Hawks

After falling to Heritage earlier in the season, the Midland Dow varsity girl’s basketball team walked into the Hawks’ gym Thursday with revenge on their minds.

And they got just that.

Dow played great team defense and saw five players score at least nine points as the Chargers improved to 12-2 with a 61-47 win over the Hawks.

“This was a big win for our program,” said Dow coach Bob Wellman. “Going to Heritage for a league game and beating a team that beat us earlier in the year is exciting”

The difference in this game was clearly defense, as the Chargers locked down on Heritage star Jourdan Erskine. After scoring 23 points earlier in the season to sink Dow, Erskine was held to just 11 points Thursday.

“Our defense on (Erskine) was big,” Wellman said. “Becca Mills, Shannon Hellebuyck and Jessica Fitzgibbon did a great job not allowing her to get a good look at the basket.”

While the defense was shutting down the Hawks, the offense hit some early shots and was building a lead. Taylor Mantyla finished with 14 points and six assists on the night. Mills added 12 points, nine rebounds, and four steals.

Molly Korn hit 5-of-6 free throws late in the game and Dow shot 93% from the line as a team to hold on for the victory.

Also contributing offensively for the Chargers were Mallory Groszek, Leah Kebler, and Korn who finished with nine points apiece.

“Beating Heritage is great, especially at their place,” Wellman said. “But now it is time to prepare for Saginaw Arthur Hill. They are again on top of the Valley and have had our number.”

Dow is now 6-0 in league play and is tied with Arthur Hill for first in the league. They host the Lumberjacks Jan. 25. Game time is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.