by Austin Marsman

The Martin girls’ varsity basketball squad started 2018 with a notch in the win column Friday by beating SAC Lakeshore foe Fennville 61 to 54.

The road victory evens the Lady Clippers’ overall season record at 4-4.

The Blackhawks captured the early lead in the first quarter, 13 to 8, but Martin, sparked by sophomores Faith Guritz and Jaclyn Hildebrand, closed the gap to tie the halftime score at 19 apiece.

Perhaps the difference was a strong performance in the third period, as the Lady Clippers found their offensive niche and worked up a 15-point lead heading into the final eight minutes.

Guritz posted her highest individual scoring game of the season by draining 23 points. Hildebrand and Kiaya Warner, both lethal decision makers on the court, contributed 14 points apiece.

Standout Fennville sophomore Cornye Howard led Fennville team with 23 points. Teammate Josie Galiger, a senior, was able to sink 9 points.

The Lady Clippers will be back in action at home Tuesday against West Michigan Aviation Academy.