MARSHALL ― Spectators at the girls basketball clash between Marshall and Harper Creek on Friday night might have assumed that one team had been training extensively while the other had only just begun to practice. And that’s precisely what transpired. Marshall triumphed over Harper Creek with a score of 49-33 during the Interstate 8 Conference […]
MARSHALL ― Spectators at the girls basketball clash between Marshall and Harper Creek on Friday night might have assumed that one team had been training extensively while the other had only just begun to practice.
And that’s precisely what transpired.
Marshall triumphed over Harper Creek with a score of 49-33 during the Interstate 8 Conference girls basketball matchup, as many Beavers players had only recently joined the squad following an extended state tournament run in volleyball. Coupling a first-year head coach with this situation means Harper Creek is still in the process of bonding on the court.
MORE: Marshall holds off Harper Creek in low-scoring boys basketball conference opener
Marshall displayed greater ease as they extended their lead in the second half, building upon a 21-16 halftime advantage.
“Our girls dedicated themselves throughout the summer to prepare for this season,” remarked Marshall coach Taylor Sundell. “Harper Creek had a lengthy volleyball season, so they have had less time to bond, while our girls have been together for a much longer period.”
“Every one of our 10 girls made a contribution tonight, which was great to witness.”
Ella Chantrenne hit three 3-pointers in the quarter, and the Beavers were just behind at 39-31 at that time. However, Harper Creek would only manage to score two points in the final quarter.
“I believe our lack of experience was quite evident tonight. We struggled against Marshall’s defense in the second half,” stated Harper Creek coach Steve Casselman. “We are still in the process of getting to know one another, and the coaching staff is figuring out the best strategies for this group. The limited practice time has made it challenging to adapt to game pace.”
Emily Dingee was the top scorer for Marshall with 19 points, while Brooke Carden contributed 13 and freshman center Grace Shubert tallied 10.
Chantrenne was the only Harper Creek player to reach double digits with 13 points, as the Beavers moved to 1-1.
Girls Basketball
St. Philip 43, Colon 35
St. Philip surged ahead by outscoring Colon 19-8 in the fourth quarter to secure this SCAA victory. Addi Dzwik led with 26 points, shooting three 3-pointers and grabbing 11 rebounds. Mylee Grimm added 10 points for the Tigers in their season opener. Lily Preston led Colon (0-2) with 15 points, and Raegan Thaxton contributed 13.
Jackson Northwest 40, Pennfield 28
Natalie Hensel registered 11 points, four rebounds, and four blocks for the Panthers (0-2) against the reigning Interstate 8 Conference champions. Madelyn Hensel added nine points, five steals, and four assists for Pennfield, with Peyton Rhoads contributing 11 rebounds.
Climax-Scotts 44, Athens 30
AJ Edwards led Climax-Scotts with 16 points and 16 rebounds, while Holly Talbert pitched in 12 points and seven rebounds in their season opener. Maria Bronsink and Mallory Kincaid both scored eight points for Athens (0-2).
Bellevue 34, Mendon 27
Elizabeth Odette was the top scorer for the Broncos (1-0) with 11 points, while Alex Mitchell added 10 and Olivia Endsley added eight.
Boys Basketball
Lakeview 72, Gull Lake 43
Lakeview outscored Gull Lake in the first quarter, leading 20-10 en route to a Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference East Division victory. Lebron Campbell led with 20 points, including four 3-pointers, along with four rebounds and three assists for Lakeview (2-1). Spencer Shotwell added 12 points, while Memphis Wirtz contributed 10 points and Jackson Hardy collected nine rebounds. Carter Stockman led the Blue Devils (0-3) with 16 points.
Pennfield 52, Jackson Northwest 44
Pennfield outscored Jackson Northwest 21-12 in the second quarter and maintained the lead in their Interstate 8 opener. Calvin Paesens performed well with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists to guide the Panthers (2-1). Brevin Bailey and Johnathan Lake both added eight points, with Bailey securing eight rebounds.
St. Philip 56, Colon 53
Colon started strong with a 24-9 lead in the first quarter, spurred by Dominick Mock’s 15-point performance in the opening period. However, St. Philip limited Colon to just five points in the second quarter and won the second half 35-24 to claim the SCAA victory. Jackson Dzwik led St. Philip (2-1) with 26 points, while Carter Dzwik contributed 12. Dominick Mock finished the game with 32 points for Colon (2-1).
Coldwater 54, Hastings 44
Niko Downs recorded 16 points, four rebounds, and three steals, leading Coldwater (2-1) in their Interstate 8 Conference opener. Ayden Dirschell contributed six points, along with five assists and nine rebounds.
Kalamazoo Central 86, Battle Creek Central 35
Battle Creek Central fell to 0-3 following their defeat to Kalamazoo Central, a rival in the Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference. It marked the Maroon Giants’ season debut.
Bill Broderick can be reached at bbroderi@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on X/Twitter: @billbroderick
