Canton's Sara Schmitt hits the floor for a loose ball during the first quarter of Wednesday's 39-37 victory over Novi. (John Kemski photo)

Special 'D'-livery

Late defensive stand propels Chiefs into Friday night's District final

BY ED WRIGHT
March 3, 2010, 10:15 p.m.

  When you absolutely, positively need a package delivered overnight, you call FedEx.

  When  Canton girls basketball coach Brian Samulski absolutely, positively needed a season-saving stop during the closing seconds of Wednesday night's Class A District semifinal game against Novi, he dialed up his team's always-reliable defense.

  The Chiefs not only answered the call, they delivered -- just like they've done hundreds of times this season.

  Clinging to a tenuous 38-37 lead with less than 20 seconds remaining, Canton built a human force-field around the lane against the Wildcats before stripping  the basketball and forcing a jump ball with 10.8 seconds left.

  The possession arrow -- and the game's momentum -- was pointing in the Chiefs' direction.

  Junior forward Kari Schmitt was fouled on the ensuing inbounds play and drained one of two free throws to double the Chiefs' lead to 39-37.

  Novi managed to advance the ball to mid-court before the Chiefs did what they do best: force another turnover, sealing the tension-packed two-point victory.

  The Chiefs earned a berth in Friday's 7 p.m. District title game at Novi High School against Northville, a 46-30 winner over Plymouth.

  "It was so nerve-racking," said Canton sophomore point guard Robyn Mack, describing the Chiefs' final stand. "Number 21 for them (Caroline Johnson) was making threes all night, so I was afraid she was going to make a three and end our season, which would have been heart-breaking, especially for the seniors.

  "Brian told us in the last timeout to make sure when they set a screen for her that someone needed to switch off. We had to communicate and help."

  The Chiefs did just that, sticking to Johnson -- and every other Wildcat, for that matter -- like Gorilla Glue.

  "If we have to buckle down and get one stop, I have all the faith in the world in this group that they'll find a way to get it done," said Canton coach Brian Samulski. "That's been this team's signature all year -- defense and rebounding. We were able to switch on everything, communicate all screens and get a stop."

  Canton played the game without junior Melanie Pickert, one of the team's best defenders (which is saying a lot on a team full of defenders) and ball-handlers. Pickert is in Portugal all week with her travel soccer team.

  Mack picked up the slack by turning in a solid game at both ends of the court, recording a team-high 13 points and five steals.

  "Robyn stepped up big time tonight, both offensively and defensively," Samulski said. "With 'Pick' not here, she had to handle the ball a lot more, too, and she did a great job."

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