Girl’s Basketball: Varsity Chemics’ defense paves the way for win

by Cory Butzin

It wasn’t pretty.

But as long as it’s a win, it doesn’t have to be.

The Midland High varsity girl’s basketball played great defense Monday, holding Cadillac to single-digit points in the first three quarters to make up for an anemic offense and hold on for a 35-27 victory over the Vikings at Midland High School.

The win marked the first time in twelve years the Midland High varsity girl’s basketball team reached double-digit wins.

“It is a win,” said Midland coach Elaine Mahabir. “And the bottom line is, you can’t take that away.”

The Chemics employed a suffocating defense early, as they were determined to deny Cadillac quality looks at the basket. Midland held the Vikings to one field goal in the opening period as they built an 8-2 lead.

Both teams struggled offensively in the second, as neither team could get into a rhythm. But the Chemics were still able to push their lead to 19-9 going into the half.

“I felt like we were doing everything okay, but nothing really well,” Mahabir said. “I’m glad our defense was playing as well as it was, because I’m not sure we were offensive-minded tonight.”

The third quarter saw little change to the game, as Midland was able to shut down Cadillac’s offense. Yet the Chemics’ offense was unable to generate anything of its own, taking a 27-15 lead into the final quarter.

The Vikings’ attack finally awoke in the fourth, closing the Chemics’ lead to only two points. But Midland was able to convert from the free throw line and hold on for the win.

“This is a sport where if it feels good, things are going well,” Mahabir said. “If it feels like you’re forcing everything it can be a long thirty two minutes.”

Jessica Jarema led the Chemics with 10 points and 10 rebounds, while Kelly Dineen and Amy Lane contributed eight and seven points, respectively.

While it was nice to send Midland’s seniors out with a win in their last home game, Mahabir recognized the importantance of the win for the entire Chemic basketball program.

“There hasn’t been a season where we’ve been into double-digit wins since 1996, so this goes way past just these seniors,” she said.

Midland will take its 10-9 record on the road Thursday when they travel to Saginaw High to take on the Trojans. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.