Breslin Bound: Girls Quarterfinal Preview
March 14, 2016
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Seven communities have been celebrating unprecedented girls basketball success over these last few days while gearing up for the most significant game in their program's histories.
Nearly a quarter of this year's 32 quarterfinalists won a Regional title last week for the first time. Tonight, those seven join 25 more seeking a trip to Michigan State University's Breslin Center this weekend.
All games tip off at 7 p.m. unless noted.
Class A
Ann Arbor Huron (20-4) vs. Detroit Martin Luther King (21-1) at Southfield (5 p.m.)
King, playing in its fourth Quarterfinal in five seasons, is arguably the favorite this week and seeking its first championship since fall 2006. The Crusaders are led by guards Tia Tedford (15.6 points per game) and Micaela Kelly (15 ppg). Huron last made a Quarterfinal (and then Semifinal) in 2012, but has won seven straight league titles and has seven players averaging between 5.5-9.1 ppg – led by junior forward Kara Wilson.
Port Huron Northern (21-4) vs. St. Johns (22-3) at Fenton
Northern has won 21 games two straight seasons and is playing in its second Quarterfinal over the last three, keyed by three players averaging between 10-12 ppg; senior guard Kiana Votava is the leading scorer. The Redwings have had a much longer wait to get back to the final week, returning or the first time since back-to-back Quarterfinal appearances in 2005. St. Johns also has three players scoring between 10-12 ppg, led by guard Maddie Maloney.
Northville (21-3) vs. Warren Cousino (20-4) at Southfield
This is new territory for both first-time Quarterfinalists – but with the promise of one taking another first step with a win. Junior forward Jessica Moorman scores 12.1 ppg to lead a Northville team with only one senior in its rotation. Cousino has only one senior total on its roster, but a high-scoring junior guard in Kierra Fletcher (21.4 ppg).
East Lansing (19-6) vs. Hudsonville (22-3) at Battle Creek Central
The Trojans are back in the Quarterfinals for the first time since 2012 thanks in part to senior guard Taryn McCutcheon, who has averaged 20.4 points in 17 games since moving from West Virginia early this season. She will play collegiately at MSU. Hudsonville also is making its first trip to the Quarterfinals, and a sophomore runs the show; guard Kasey DeSmit averages 12.3 points and nearly five assists per game leading a team with only one senior starter.
Class B
Detroit Mumford (17-5) vs. Detroit Country Day (23-1) at Marysville
Mumford has gradually improved since Hogan took the program back over five seasons ago and has been rewarded with its first Quarterfinal since 1978 in Class A after winning both of its Regional games by two points. Reigning Class B champion Country Day will provide one of the stiffest challenges yet. Junior guard Destiny Pitts is considered one of the state’s best in her class and regardless of grade.
Grand Rapids South Christian (23-2) vs. Dearborn Heights Robichaud (18-6) at Fowlerville
First-year coach Kim Legge has led South Christian to its third Quarterfinal in four seasons, with plenty of help from four senior starters including point guard Jennifer DeBoer. She’s averaging 16.8 ppg and has made 71 3-pointers. Robichaud is making its first Quarterfinal appearance and is riding an eight-game winning streak. Guards Kayla Brown and Kamaria McDaniel carry the offensive load averaging 23.4 and 20 ppg, respectively.
Bay City John Glenn (24-1) vs. Manistee (21-3) at Big Rapids
Add John Glenn as well to the list of first-time Quarterfinalists, but this trip has been anticipated from a team featuring Miss Basketball finalist Cassidy Boensch (17.5 points/12 rebounds per game) and standout guards Kalle Martinez (15.5 ppg) and Jenai LaPorte (14.3). Manistee also isn’t a surprise after reaching this round a year ago. Three seniors and two juniors start, although they are the only upperclassmen.
Marshall (23-1) vs. Grand Rapids Catholic Central (21-2) at Otsego
This will be Marshall’s third Quarterfinal in five seasons but matches its best record since 1999. Junior center Nicole Tucker has been powerful in the post averaging 12.3 points and eight rebounds per game. Grand Rapids Catholic Central is returning to the Quarterfinals for the second straight season and on an eight-game winning streak, with one of the victories over South Christian.
Class C
Niles Brandywine (23-2) vs. Grand Rapids Covenant Christian (18-5) at Portage Northern (6:30 p.m.)
Brandywine is back in the Quarterfinals for the sixth time in seven seasons, while Covenant Christian is making its first appearance since 2000. Brandywine eliminated previously-undefeated Gobles to advance and is keyed by a starting lineup featuring four seniors. Senior guard Kara Minderhoud averages 14.7 ppg and makes 40 percent of her 3-point tries to lead Covenant Christian.
Traverse City St. Francis (24-1) vs. St. Ignace (23-2) at Gaylord
St. Francis won its first Regional title since 2003 and lost this season only to Class B quarterfinalist Manistee. Senior forward Annie Lyman leads three scoring in double figures at 14 ppg. St. Ignace won Class D last season and in 2013 and Class C in 2011, and knocked off previously-undefeated reigning C champion Calumet to reach today. Senior forward Abbey Ostman brings loads of tournament experience and 19.8 ppg.
Flint Hamady (22-1) vs. Ithaca (23-2) at Saginaw Heritage
Hamady is seeking its first title this week since 2010 but finished runner-up a year ago and is a regular during the final week. Guard Jalisha Terry is finishing up her career as the latest of her program’s stars. Ithaca is coming off its first Regional title but appears poised to take another big first step this season or over the next few with a dominant player in the post – sophomore Kayla Belles leads with 18.2 points, 13 rebounds and 4.2 blocks per game.
Ypsilanti Arbor Prep (22-2) vs. Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett (20-4) at Michigan Center
Arbor Prep reached the Quarterfinals in Class B in 2014 and the Semifinals in Class C last season, and has been a favorite to reach the final game all season. Led by senior guard Nastassja Chambers, its only losses this season are to Class A quarterfinalist Ann Arbor Huron and Class B quarterfinalist Detroit Country Day. Liggett is back in the final week for the third time in five seasons, with junior Nia Ahart (22.3 ppg) and senior Kendall McConico (15.9) providing a strong one-two scoring punch.
Class D
Wyoming Tri-unity Christian (21-4) vs. Pittsford (24-0) at Springport
Tri-unity Christian has joined its long-successful boys program with its first Regional title and is riding a 13-game winning streak with senior guard Sarah Buffum setting the scoring pace at 17.3 ppg. Pittsford is the reigning Class D runner-up and has been one of the state’s most successful teams over the last three seasons with a combined record of 72-2. Senior guard Jaycie Burger and junior forward Maddie Clark are veterans of plenty of big games and score 19.2 and 17.7 ppg, respectively.
Waterford Our Lady (19-4) vs. Kingston (20-3) at Davison
Out Lady was unexpected at the Quarterfinals last season and finished 12-13, but isn’t surprising anyone this time. The Lakers are riding a nine-game winning streak and are led by two 12-ppg scorers in senior guard Alex Troy and junior forward Tiffany Senerius. Kingston is making its second straight Quarterfinal appearance and hoping to add a first Semifinal berth to its third season in four with at least 20 wins. Senior forward Sarah Savage leads with 16.2 ppg.
Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart (22-1) vs. Gaylord St. Mary (22-3) at Scottville Mason County Central
At least a quarterfinalist the last four seasons, Sacred Heart is looking to add a second championship in three years led one last time by dominating center Averi Gamble (16.1 ppg, 7.2 rebounds per game). St. Mary was in the Quarterfinals last in 2013 but hasn’t advanced farther since 2002. But this could be the season with senior Bekah Myler also a powerful presence in the post and Gamble’s likely matchup.
Newberry (23-1) vs. Stephenson (23-2) at Negaunee
Newberry is back in the Quarterfinals for the first time since 1989 thanks to an incredible run that has included a loss only to reigning champion (and Class C quarterfinalist) St. Ignace. The Indians are paced by senior guard Taylor Bryant, who averages 17.8 points and 6.3 assists per game. Stephenson is playing in a Quarterfinal for the first time since 1982, with senior center Tori Wangerin (18 ppg) leading a lineup with three scoring in double figures.
PHOTO: Detroit Martin Luther King defeated Detroit Renaissance earlier this season to win the Detroit PSL Tournament and hopes to add a Class A title this weekend. (Photo courtesy of the Detroit PSL.)
Unranked Eaton Rapids Ends on Top in B
March 15, 2014
By Tom Kendra
Special to Second Half
EAST LANSING - Dittmer was the difference.
Grand Rapids South Christian came into Saturday's MHSAA Class B championship game ranked No. 1 and with a 26-game winning streak. But the Sailors had never faced an inside force like 6-foot-1 senior post player Allie Dittmer of Eaton Rapids.
"We tried our best to stop her," said South Christian coach Jim De Bruyn, "but she was just a horse in there."
Dittmer dominated the interior, scoring 26 points on 9 of 15 shooting and grabbing 13 rebounds to lead unheralded Eaton Rapids to its first-ever MHSAA girls basketball title in a convincing 51-38 upset of South Christian in Saturday's finale at the Breslin Center.
The Greyhounds (23-5) came into the MHSAA tournament as an honorable mention in the final Associated Press regular-season poll, but relied on five senior starters to knock off No. 6 Ypsilanti Arbor Prep in the Quarterfinals, No. 8 Flint Powers in Friday's Semifinal and then top-ranked South Christian in Saturday's Final.
"I told the girls before the game that we don't need to be perfect, we just need to be us," said 15th-year Eaton Rapids coach Willis Whitmyer. "I'm not the smartest guy here, but I'm smart enough to know when I have a good inside player. Everyone on this team has heard it 1,000 times from me: 'Get the ball inside to Allie.'"
Dittmer, who will play next year at Hillsdale College, scored two points in the first quarter as both teams struggled out of the gate. The quarter ended in a 7-7 tie.
But Dittmer came alive with nine points in the second quarter as the Greyhounds inched ahead to a 19-16 halftime lead, and it appeared that the second half would be a down-to-the-wire fight.
However, buoyed by a raucous, maroon-clad crowd chanting "We are, E.R.!," Eaton Rapids used its zone defense to stymie the Sailors' comeback attempt.
While the defense was doing its part, Dittmer got back to work on the block, scoring five points in the third quarter and then tallying 10 in the fourth (despite picking up her fourth foul with 4:35 remaining and having to sit for stretches) as the Greyhounds pulled away.
"I’ve got to give credit to my teammates; they worked it around and made it easy on me," said Dittmer, who garnered honorable mention status on the Associated Press Class B all-state team announced this week. "This win means so much to all of us.”
As Dittmer began to demand more and more attention from the Sailors, it began to open up shooting opportunities and driving lanes for the Eaton Rapids guards.
The Greyhounds were 18 of 26 from the free-throw line, compared to just 3 of 6 for South Christian. Senior guard Kathryn Mills was the only other Eaton Rapids player in double figures scoring with 11 points, including a game-clinching 3-pointer right in front of her school's delirious student section with 1:35 remaining that gave the Greyhounds an insurmountable 48-37 lead.
"It was about time, was the way I looked at it," said Mills, one of those five senior starters. "I had a rough start, but that's the way a lot of our games went this year. We got more open looks at the end because the other team is focused on stopping Allie."
South Christian 5-11 senior Renee Broekhuizen, who battled Dittmer inside all night, was the lone Sailors player in double figures, with 13 points. Broekhuizen buried back-to-back 3-pointers to pull her team to within 37-33 with 5:15 remaining in the game, but the Sailors were outscored 14-5 the rest of the way.
Dittmer scored four points during the final run, and senior guard Meghan Dassance scored five of her six during that stretch.
"She's a great player, and she has a strong body," Broekhuizen said of Dittmer. "We never gave up, we were relentless and we refused to lose. But it just wasn't our night."
South Christian (26-1) lost for the first time since last year's Semifinals at the Breslin. It was the Sailors' third appearance in a girls basketball title game, as they won the 1988 Class B championship and finished as the 1980 Class C runners-up.
Cassidy Vredevoogd blocked five shots and added six points and five rebounds for South Christian. Morgan Torres had a team-high six rebounds, and Broekhuizen added three steals.
"It's not what we planned on, but here we are," said De Bruyn, who has won 441 games in 25 years as South Christian's coach. "We struggled against their zone and couldn't seem to get many good, open shots."
The Sailors connected on just 15 of 46 shots (32.6 percent), were not able to get to the free-throw line much and were out rebounded 34-24.
Five points from Emily Reinecke and six rebounds and five assists from Bailey Baker also boosted Eaton Rapids, which placed second in the Capital Area Activities Conference Gold.
But Whitmyer felt another force during Saturday's game, especially in the second half, which he felt made a big difference in turning things in his team's favor.
"I thought our fans were unbelievable," said Whitmyer, whose team won all eight of its tournament games by at least 10 points. "I looked out there, and I thought we owned the Breslin. Our support system throughout the school and the community was really something else, and that makes this even more special."
Click for the full box score and video from the press conference.
PHOTOS: (Top) Eaton Rapids' Meghan Dassance works to get past South Christian's Renee Broekhuizen in the Class B Final. (Middle) Greyhounds guard Kathryn Mills launches a shot in front of her team's bench Saturday.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Allie Dittmer led all scorers with 26 points and all rebounders with 13. Here she scores on a putback just before halftime to give Eaton Rapids a 19-16 lead. (2) Renee Broekhuizen led South Christian in scoring with 13. Here's a 3-pointer she hit early in the game.