A game that featured seven lead changes went host Sturgis’ way in a 41-36 girls basketball win Saturday over Lakeland.
Trojans coach Amie Burger played for the Lakers in the early 1990’s and later coached the program.
“I knew it was going to be a close game; Lakeland is a team that will never just give up,” Burger said.
Rachel Anderson launches a 3-pointer against Lakeland.
(Photo by Tracie Pueschel)
The Trojans led by as many as 12 points after trailing 11-10 at halftime, but the Lakers started knocking down shots late to keep the contest close.
Rachel Anderson paced a Sturgis program that produced eight scorers, tossing in 17 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. Anderson was 7-of-16 from the field to finish at a 43.8-percent clip.
Marissa Parker notched six points and a pair of steals, Kayla Nichols recorded three thefts to go with a point and Morgan Pueschel registered five points, two boards and an assist.
“We came out slow in the first half and didn’t take care of the ball with Lakeland’s pressure,” Burger said. “At halftime we talked about our roles and what we needed to do to make a run on them. Rachel Anderson gave us 13 points in the second half and continued to make Lakeland alter their shots, which was huge for us.”
Jessie Cline finished with four points, a steal, one assist and a rebound for Sturgis, which also got a boost from Maddy Mercer (two points, three boards), Goretti Alfaro netted two points and had one assist, Courtney Lovelace added a steal and one assist, and Nikki Nelson registered four points and 10 rebounds.
“Jessie Cline did a great job putting pressure on the ball,” Burger explained. “We also had great contributions from our bench. I am proud of my team’s effort down the stretch to hang on and get the win.”