Defense propels Chiefs into second round of KLAA Playoffs, 48-18

Feb. 17, 2010, 11 a.m.

  The buzzsaw that is the Canton girls basketball team's defense was sharper than ever Tuesday night.

  The Chiefs handcuffed a talented Northville squad in their 48-18 home victory in the first round of the KLAA playoffs.

  Canton improved to 16-1 while the Mustangs slipped to 8-9.

  Ranked No. 3 in  Division 1, Canton stifled  the Mustangs' offense repeatedly in the first half when it built a 25-6 halftime lead.  The Chiefs really put the clamps down in the third quarter at both ends of the quarter, outscoring their visitors 18-3 to secure a 43-9 advantage heading into the final eight minutes.

  Kari Schimtt paced the winners with 17 points and seven rebounds. Sara Schmitt added nine points while Robyn Mack tossed in eight and  Kayla Bridges registered seven.

  Meredith Williams led the Mustangs with seven points.

  Canton earned a berth in the KLAA conference semifinal game against host Salem on Thursday. The tip-off is set for 7 p.m.