MACS GIRLS BASKETBALL: Maplewood Baptist repeats with state title win over Springfield Christian
BY DAN STICKRADT
SENIOR EDITOR
dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com
Twitter: @LocalSportsFans
CLARKSTON — Kinross Maplewood Baptist became the first school from north of the Mackinaw Bridge to win a Michigan Association of Christian Schools state title in any sport in 2012. The Black Bears made sure the title run was not an anomaly this year.
Maplewood Baptist captured its second straight girls basketball state title Saturday, topping tournament host Clarkston Springfield Christian, 67-37, in the MACS Division II state finals.
The two teams played in the state title game last season, with Maplewood Baptist hoisting the trophy following a 51-27 victory.
The Black Bears finished 19-2 with their only losses to MHSAA Class D schools Harbor Springs Harbor Light Christian and Rudyard. The program is less than a decade old.
Maplewood Baptist found itself in a close game with a 7-4 lead midway through the first quarter. The Black Bears turned up the heat defensively and sweltered the Eagles into a school record 42 turnovers, including eight in the first quarter and nine in the second quarter.
“I know we are a young team with a lot of freshmen and only one senior. But we have come a long ways the past couple of years and I am pleased with their work ethic and what we have been able to accomplish,” said Maplewood Baptist coach Colleen Rader. “Last year was our first year making the finals. We didn’t know what to expect. We have a lot of players back from last season. I don’t think they were that nervous. We lost our first (MHSAA) district game the other day to Rudyard, so we still have a long ways to go. But against small schools, we can compete.
“We really work hard on our defense and I think that leads to a lot of our offense,” continued Rader. “I thought we did a great job on the defensive end of the floor. We forced a lot of turnovers.”
Maplewood’s defensive pressure never allowed Springfield Christian much of a chance after the first quarter.
“We knew we were going to have to play perfect to have a chance and we didn’t do it,” said Springfield Christian coach, whose team was searching for its first state crown since 1988. “We saw them here last year, so we knew they were very good. They play such great defense that we never were able to get into any type of rhythm.”
Maplewood Baptist (19-3) turned a 15-8 lead after the first quarter into a 34-10 halftime advantage thanks to a game-changing 19-2 run in the second quarter.
“I think our defense that was the difference in the game,” said Rader. “We really stress (team) defense) and I think that has helped us to become successful. We’re still a very young team, so we’re not as polished offensively. We started three freshmen today. But we apply a lot of pressure and we can make steals and score (in transition).”
Maplewood Baptist only outscored Springfield Christian (12-7) by a 15-14 margin in the third quarter for a 49-24 advantage. The Eagles could never claw back to within firing range.
The Black Bears closed with a 18-13 run, as both teams went deep into their bench in the fourth quarter after the game was long decided.
Freshman Hannah May scored a game-high 23 pints with eight steals and three assists to pace Maplewood Baptist. Senior Rachel Frank added 12 points, six rebounds and five steals, freshman Ashton Bonnee scored 11 and freshman Harmon Bailey chipped in with 10 points, nine rebounds, nine steals and five assists for the Black Bears.
Savanah Berlinski finished with 12 points, 15 rebounds, four steals, three blocked shots and three assists in her final high school game for Springfield Christian. The 6-foot center is the Eagles’ sole senior.
Junior forward Emily Grant added nine points and nine rebounds, while freshman guard Heather Key scored six with seven rebounds and four steals for Springfield Christian.
“We only lose one player to graduation, so we hope to make it back again next year,” smiled Day. “I hope the girls see how much work it takes to (win a title). Maplewood doesn’t lose very much either.”
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