Martin opened its 2022-23 girls basketball season Friday evening with a 41-20 homestanding victory over Sacred Heart Academy of Grand Rapids.

The Clippers raced to a 23-9 cushion at the half and coasted the rest of the way.

“Tonight was a great team win to start our season,” said coach Ben Schipper. “We started fast and didn’t look back. We were very pleased with the way we pushed the ball, our unselfishness, and our offensive rebounding. Our defense was stingy all night. Even though we weren’t always in the correct defensive positions I’d like us to be in, we made up for it with aggressiveness and effort.

“I was happy to get all of our girls in, especially to get our underclassmen some good stretches of their first varsity experience. Everyone was able to gain some confidence and make a positive contribution.”

Junior Makala Goddard, one of the few returning letter winners, paced the offensive attack with 16 points in the three quarters she played. Avery Jager added eight.:

“She (Goddard) was really feeling it tonight and she had complete command of the game,” Schipper added. “She pushed the ball extremely well, dropping in two great passes to our rim runner and was very efficient shooting.

“I was also very happy with Elizabeth Reinke. She brought the fire we needed from the jump and I loved the confidence she played with tonight. So many girls made great plays tonight.”

“Lynsey and Avery Jager were both tough around the basket, Cirsten Coburn saw the floor real well, and Samantha Stone had some great moves around the basket.” 

Goddard had 4 assists and 3 steals with her 16 points. Sophomore Macy Thorne chipped in 5 rebounds, Avery Jager had 5 steals with her 8 points. Senior Lynsey Jager had 6 rebounds (all offensive) with her 6 points. Cirsten Coburn had 6 steals.

The Clippers will be back on the home floor Tuesday to face Coloma.