In a thrilling matchup on Wednesday night, Clawson edged out Center Line with a score of 56-47, enhancing their record to 8-1 overall and 2-0 in the MAC Silver league. This victory marks a significant turnaround for the Panthers, who struggled last season with a winless record in the division.
Despite last year”s challenges, Center Line showcased their improvement this season, holding their ground against last year”s co-champions. After finishing with a 0-10 record in the division and enduring a 13-game losing streak, the Panthers now find themselves at 7-3 overall and 2-2 in the league. “I think our league is gonna be tough this year,” stated Clawson head coach Michelle Lindsey. “Any given day, any of us can come out with a W. Center Line has improved so much from last year, all props to them and the coaching staff for what they”ve done with the kids.”
In the first quarter, junior Dana Moss scored seven points, helping the Trojans to a 16-7 lead. Although the Panthers tried to close the gap, they could not eliminate the early deficit. “We had some girls who started the game who aren”t the usual starters,” commented Josh Banks, head coach of Center Line. “I had to enforce the rules, and that led to a rocky start. But after that, it was a competitive game.”
Clawson employed a pressing defense throughout the game to disrupt Center Line“s rhythm, a strategy that paid off at times, although Center Line managed to exploit gaps in the defense. “We tried to press them most of the game,” Lindsey noted. “We switched at the end and went back into a zone, and I think that helped change things up a bit.”
The contest was primarily fought in the paint, with both teams managing only two three-pointers each. Clawson excelled in forcing jump balls, effectively halting several of Center Line“s possessions. “You have to be ready to execute when your number”s called,” Banks emphasized, highlighting the need for his players to adapt and respond to in-game situations.
In a pivotal moment late in the game, Alaya Verbrugge scored just before the third quarter ended, narrowing the gap to six points. However, Addison Tikey answered back with a pull-up jumper, and Lily Buchler added an offensive rebound and putback to restore a double-digit lead early in the fourth quarter. Although the Panthers closed the lead to just four points at one point, they ultimately fell short as Buchler contributed crucial baskets to seal the game.
Buchler finished as the game”s leading scorer with 13 points. Lindsey expressed her confidence in the young player, stating, “You can see how much we do rely on her, and it”s not easy being a sophomore in the position we”re putting her in, but we all believe in her.”
Meanwhile, Center Line was led by senior Madison Gilmore, who scored 12 points, while the Trojans effectively limited Janiyah Thomas to just nine points. “It”s a process coming up here with no freshman or JV team,” Banks said, acknowledging the challenges faced in player development.
Both teams are set to continue league play on Friday, with Center Line hosting Lamphere, while Clawson will welcome Warren Mott.
