The Martin girls’ basketball team lifted its overall season record to 11-3 Tuesday night with a bruising 43-38 victory at Berrien Springs.
The Lady Clippers trailed through much of the first half, but took the lead in the third period and managed to hang on in the fourth quarter.
“Last night was a great battle,” said coach Ben Schipper. “Berrien Springs was a physical team that bullied us a little bit in the first few minutes. I was very proud of our girls for accepting the challenge and by the end of the game I felt like we were the most physical team.
“I had a feeling we’d start slow after the long ride down to Berrien Springs, but I was actually very happy with the looks our offense was getting in the first quarter. We just couldn’t get anything to fall. We got the lid off the rim in the second quarter and put together three good offensive quarters.
“We made some defensive adjustments at halftime to full front the low post and the girls did an awesome job executing something we haven’t had to do all year. It was a total team effort tonight. Everyone contributed when they were called on.”
Makala Goddard led the Clippers with 10 points. Freshman Marybeth Ritchie provided an offensive push by scoring nine battling down low in the post. Liz Reinke was able to get to the basket numerous times scoring seven and Lynsey Jager battled a bum ankle, scoring six.
It was a big win heading into Martin’s divisional showdown with Gobles Friday. The Clippers are 6-0 in the division and Gobles is 3-1.
