Grand Rapids, MI: Both Wayne Memorial and Saginaw Heritage were at this same dance last year. 1 of 4 teams left with a shot at the state championship. Wayne Memorial losing to East Lansing, Saginaw Heritage standing as the defending champs.
The first quarter of the game showed an anxious yet aggressive Wayne Memorial squad. Many of their shots were rushed and off balanced. However, they crashed the boards and rebounded very well on both ends. Heritage was a little more focused. Being patient on offense, talking on defense, and keeping their turnovers to a minimum.
By the middle of the second quarter, Wayne had calmed down, decreased their turnovers and started to play with more discipline. The Lady Hawks were not as aggressive as they were in the first quarter, but they made enough plays and shots to hold on to a 6 point lead at halftime.
Heritage opened the third quarter confident and relaxed, perhaps a little too confident and relax. Once Wayne Memorial turned up their full-court pressure, Heritage began to unravel and did not take care of the ball. Wayne did a great job of altering shots, getting steals, and finishing strong. The Zebras aggressive play not only shook Heritage, but it also increased their foul count, sending Heritage to the line and keeping them in the game.
The final quarter was nerve-wracking. Both teams were trading baskets and fighting for their life. With under 3:00 left to play, Wayne Memorial senior Sammiyah Hoskin gets a steal and layup and gives her team their first lead since early in the first quarter. After Miss Basketball candidates Moriah Joiner and Jeanae Terry trade threes and a few free throws, Heritage regains the lead and never let’s go. They move on to defend their title tomorrow against the winner of the Muskegon vs. Southfield A&T game.
Game Highlights
Wayne Memorial
• Kudos to the Lady Zebras and Jarvis Mitchell and staff on an amazing season. They were hungry, and it showed.
• Wayne Memorial struggled with turnovers and missed free throws throughout the entire game, and it ultimately cost them their shot at the championship.
• Although they did not get the win, Sammiah Hoskin and Jeanae Terry were great leaders on the court. They played their hearts out.
• Leading Scorers: Terry 26, Hoskin 14
Saginaw Heritage
• If Heritage wants to remain state champions, they must be consistent not only on their play but their energy, hustle and focus as well.
• Mo Joiner was the even kill that Heritage needed not to get frustrated and stop fighting. Big shots from Joiner and Dilts pushed the Lady Hawks to the finish line.
• McCartney hit some crucial shots, from deep and 12 feet from the basket to keep Heritage in the game.
• Leading Scorers: Strickland-Gill 15, Joiner 14