The girls basketball team from Mendon put together an 18-point lead after eight minutes of work Friday to finish with a 52-12 St. Joseph Valley League victory at Centreville.
Brooke Howard
Brooke Howard came away with 17 points, Jenna Griffith drilled five 3-pointers for 15, Grace Leighton notched nine points and Alexis Russell produced seven to lead the Hornets. Rachel Frisbie contributed four points, and Sam Griffith and Lauren Samson each recorded two.
Mendon’s undefeated streak is up to eight games this year and the Hornets are now 2-0 in the St. Joseph Valley League.
“This was a good game for us defensively, as well as a very well-rounded game offensively,” Mendon coach Leasa Griffith said. “We were able to work on different defenses and presses which will help down the road. I felt that the defensive team effort was very good — exactly what we need to see at this point in the season.”
The loss drops the Bulldogs to 1-8 overall and 0-2 in conference play.
Howard also had five rebounds, and Jenna Griffith and Jackie Friel pulled down three apiece. Howard, Leighton and Jenna Griffith registered three steals, and all three players, along with Cierra Furlong, posted two assists each. Russell also boasted three blocks.
“Coming into the game, we talked the number of ways we knew it didn’t work to beat Mendon,” Centreville coach Jill Peterson said. “Tonight, we added another way to that list. Mendon is a basketball dynasty in southwest Michigan and Coach Griffith has established a great program in her time as a Hornet. There were a few bright spots in tonight’s game, and we’ll build on that moving forward. The challenge to the girls will be to rise instead of crumble, to be inspired instead of defeated. We control our own destiny from here on out.”
Madison Hunter led Centreville, which was held scoreless in the first and fourth quarters, with seven points and three rebounds, followed by Mattie Kirby (three points) and Rudie Crawford (two). Catherine Rigby also had two assists.
Check out joeinsider.com Saturday for a photo gallery from the game.