FeedsLady Chiefs finish division 10-0
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Canton’s Ja’nee Morton looks for an outlet against Chelsea Atzinger in the Chiefs’ 42-31 victory over Northville on Thursday. Canton finished the regular season play, 10–0 in the Western division. Photo by Diana BirdsallThe Canton Lady Chiefs proved to be the best team in the Western division when they beat Northville, 42-31, at home on Thursday.
It was the Western Lakes regular season finale; the Conference Championship Tournament starts this week. With the win, Canton went 10-0 in Western play, earning a No.1 seeding.
Neighboring rival, Salem earned the top spot on the Lakes side, equaling Canton’s perfect division record of 10-0. The teams could face each other in the tournament finale.
Against Northville, Canton put up good numbers in the first quarter. The Lady Chiefs scored 16 while holding the Lady ‘Stangs to a single point. Senior Ja’nee Morton scored 10 of her game-leading 18 points in the frame.
Northville coach Pete Wright admitted it’s not easy keeping tabs on Morton and star point guard Becci Houdek.
“They are extremely difficult to keep track of,” he said. “Their games are totally different with Becci looking to shoot and Ja’nee looking to slash and go to the basket.”
Northville made some adjustments in between quarters. It appeared to work as Northville racked up 15 points to Canton’s five in the second, closing the gap to 21-16 at the half.
Northville shut down Morton and Houdek (five total points), for the most part, for the rest of the game.
“Sarah Stern did a great job holding Becci to one field goal,” Wright said. “Ja’nee got 10 of her points in the first quarter while we were playing zone. Chelsea Atzinger and Kristin Fiscus did a good job once we changed to man (coverage).”
Canton, chock full of talent, hung on for the win by outscoring Northville 21-18 the rest of the way.
“This was a great win because it finished off the division, 10-0,” said Canton Coach Brian Samulski. “It’s a great accomplishment when you look at all the talented teams in the division.”
Morton finished with seven rebounds to go with her 18 points. Baylee Hollowell scored 11 and had 12 rebounds.
Allison Holmes led Northville with 10 points.
The Lady Chiefs also won a nail-biter against Franklin last Tuesday.
Canton had three players in double figures to beat the Patriots, 59-58.
Houdek led the team with 17 points and seven rebounds. Morton knocked in 12 and Hollowell added 10 with eight boards.
The Northville lady Mustangs overcame an early deficit to put away the visiting Walled Lake Western Warriors, 44-35, last Tuesday.
Jessica Boerger led Northville with 11. Chelsea Atzinger added 10 and Sara Stern seven with six assists.
