Canton's Melanie Pickert battles
to escape a Plymouth double team.
Suffocating defense sparks Chiefs
BY ED WRIGHT
Feb. 6, 2010,
1:26 a.m.
Success has not spoiled the
Canton girls basketball team this season.
If anything, it's only made the Chiefs hungrier.
In a one-sided game that has mirrored many they've played this
season, the Chiefs tripled cross-campus rival Plymouth, 63-21, Friday
night to run their record to 13-1 overall and 8-0 in the Kensington
Lakes Activities Association South Division.
Using their trademark never-give-an-inch defense, Canton limited
the Wildcats to just six-of-32 shooting from the field (18.7 percent)
while forcing 20 turnovers.
"No matter what the score is, no matter who they're playing,
this team just comes out and competes," said Canton coach Brian
Samulski. "They never take anything for granted. They never just go
through the motions."
Plymouth would second that notion following Friday night's game
that started with a 21-3 Canton.
The Chiefs extended their lead to 32-9 at the half and 49-15
with eight minutes to play.
The Chiefs went after every rebound like it was the last piece
of pizza in the box. The most impressive thing about their 41-11
rebounding advantage was that they only gave the Wildcats one
second-chance shot.
Plymouth's Stacey Klonowski, who is one of the most talented
forwards in the league, was held to just two free throws.
"I thought we defended pretty well tonight," said Samulski. "We
only gave up nine points in the first half tonight and only five on
Tuesday. The thing I've been impressed the most with this team is its
focus. These girls never let up."
Ideally, the Chiefs would probably benefit by playing in a
couple of close, down-to-the-wire contests prior to what promises to be
a productive post-season.
Unfortunately, the heightened level at which they're playing at
may not make that possible.
Kari Schmitt had a standout night for the Chiefs. The junior
forward scored 19 points, grabbed 14 rebounds and ripped six steals.
Kayla Bridges did some serious damage, too, netting 11 points
and seven rebounds in a reserve role.
CarolAnn Sexauer and Sara Schmitt both scored eight while
Lindsey Winters contributed seven. Sara Schmitt grabbed seven rebounds
while Winters and Sexauer both connected on a three.
Alyssa Cottrell, one of four players honored on "Senior Night"
(Winters, Yuki Krolicki and Kelly Larimore were the others), registered
six points, four rebounds and four steals. Melanie Pickert was also
solid, scoring four points to go with three boards and three steals.
Taylor Birman led the Wildcats with five points and three
rebounds. Danielle Desilets and Lejla Kulaglic both scored four.
Canton hit 25 of 52 field goals and 12 of 21 free throws.
Plymouth was a blistering nine of 10 from the free throw line.
