The Martin High School girls’ basketball team put the finishing touches on its late season surge Friday night by claiming a 47-34 triumph over Holland Black River.
It was the Lady Clippers’ fifth win in their last six games as they prepare for the district tournament next month on their home floor.
Martin trailed in the first half of the game was was down 21-19 at intermission. The Clippers took control in the third quarter to take a 32-24 advantage.
Coach Ben Schipper said, “We’re so proud of the girls tonight for the way we finished this game. I’ve said it so many times this season, but we’ve gone through so many growing pains with our close losses this year and tonight we pulled out our second straight close win. It shows the growth we’ve had in many areas, but tonight showcased our improvement in game management.
“We slowed down and executed sets when we really needed buckets, we reduced our turnovers down the stretch, and made our free throws when we needed them. While only being up by four with about 3:30 left and we remained calm and collected and played sound basketball to extend our lead and then protect it.”
Martin, with the victory, clinched third place in the SAC Central.
Marybeth Ritchie and Avery Jager were led the offensive attack by scoring 17 and 13 points, respectively.
“Marybeth played incredible defense all night long and was the most aggressive she’s been in the post all season, scoring and drawing fouls going 5-6 in free throws,” Schipper said. “Avery was aggressively attacking the basket tonight getting to the free throw line and going 9 for 12.”
Kayden Jager hit two clutch baskets in the fourth quarter. Alley Bacon and Torryn Harris played great defense tonight as well. It was another team win. Bacon dropped in nine points.
Kayden Jager had six points and seven rebounds.
Calvin Christian 42 Hopkins girls 41
Hopkins girls gave league leading Calvin Christian all it wanted on the hardcourt Friday before bowing 42-41. The Lady Vikings finished O-K Silver Conference action with a 9-5 record, good for third place behind Calvin Christian and Belding.
Calvin Christian 55 Hopkins boys 39
South Christian 62 Wayland boys 29
South Christian 53 Wayland girls 42
Wayland was severely handicapped Friday night by the absence of the Laker sisters, Harmony and Charity, who both were down with the flu. Harmony would have entered the contest with the most points in a career as a Wildcat.
Junior inside players Addie Sikorski stepped up her game by scoring a whopping 27 points with three threes, and Laney Wolf swished a three-pointer and sank six free throws for nine points.
