The Martin girls’ varsity basketball team punched its ticket to the Division 4 regional championship game Thursday by getting past Colon 40-23 in the semifinal round Tuesday.
The Lady Clippers’ defense once again made the difference, limiting Colon to just 10 points in the first half, none in the first quarter, and enjoying a 28-10 cushion at intermission.
The victory lifted coach Ben Schipper’s group’s overall record to 22-1 for the season. Colon finished its campaign with a 12-11 mark.
Faith Guritz again paced Martin’s offensive attack with 12 points and five steals. Bri Warner and Freddie Elkins both added seven. Brianna Warner had three assists, Elkins added six rebounds and Kiaya Warner five, three assists, four assists, and Jaclyn Hildebrand seven rebounds.
“Our first quarter was obviously the difference in the game, we jumped out to an early lead with tenacious defense, aggressive yet patient offense, and good team basketball,” coach Ben Schipper said. “We were in passing lanes, had active hands, and were executing our defensive game plan very well. After the first quarter, we got into a bit of a funk offensively. I felt like we just kind of coasted which is something we have fought at different times this year. Thanks to our defense though, we maintained a healthy lead allowing our bench to get more valuable experience.
“We had many great individual performances tonight, but I feel the need to point out the game Freddie Elkins had,” the coach added. “Her energy and intensity sparked us tonight. She was tough around the basket and had phenomenal defense, even when getting pulled out to the perimeter where she drew a great five-second violation for us.
“Overall, it was another impressive defensive performance forcing 27 turnovers compared to our 11. We took advantage of those turnovers scoring 25 of our 40 points off them.”
The Lady Clippers will have an interesting matchup in the regional finals Thursday evening. They will take on a state-ranked St. Joseph Michigan Lutheran team that also enters the 6:30 contest with a 22-1 overall record. St. Joe Lutheran defeated 18-4 Fruitport Christian 54-20 in the nightcap Tuesday to advance to the finals.
The Martin girls’ varsity basketball team punched its ticket to the Division 4 regional championship game Thursday by getting past Colon 40-23 in the semifinal round Tuesday.