by Austin Marsman
Martin’s nemesis in girls’ basketball over many recent years in district play has been Climax-Scotts. The Lady Clippers, even in their better years, have stumbled against the Panthers in the post-season.
But not this year.
Martin punched its ticket to the district finals at 6:30 p.m. Friday with a 36-31 triumph to push its overall season record to 11-10. It was a second half burst that sent Climax-Scotts into the offseason with a decent 13-8 record.
The first quarter was a low-scoring one as both teams tried to get comfortable, and Climax led 8-4. The second quarter was just as slow, but the Lady Clippers managed to creep to within one point, 13-12 at the break.
Martin kicked it into high gear in the second half. Kiaya Warner opened with a two-point bucket and the momentum didn’t stop. Both Jaclyn Hildebrand and Faith Guritz put in two three-pointers each. The Panthers couldn’t keep up.
Guritz led the Lady Clippers, notching 14 points and Hildebrand posted 8. Sisters Kiaya and Briana Warner each put in 4 points.
The Panthers were paced by Baylee Willis and Payton Nabozny, who both contributed 6.
Colon will be the Clippers’ opposition in the finals match, after the Magi easily won 49 to 26 over Burr Oak in round one of district play Wednesday. Colon enters the contest with a record of 6-15.
The Lady Clippers have just one day to prepare Colon at Climax-Scotts. Tip-off is at 6:30pm on Friday.
(Photos courtesy of Austin Marsman)
Kiaya Warner
COVER PHOTO: Jaclyn Hildebrand
