‘1’ TOUGH LION: South Lyon ousts SLE behind Nooe’s 26
South Lyon senior guard Isabella Nooe drives against South Lyon East defender Megan Fannon.
Every time South Lyon senior guard Isabella Nooe dribbled the basketball into the paint like her idol Kyrie Irving Wednesday night against South Lyon East, onlookers were reminded of one thing: Size is overrated.
Standing 5-foot-4, Nooe defied her taller, post-protecting opponents repeatedly on the way to a 26-point night in the Lions’ 45-29 victory over the rival Cougars.
Nooe also swished four threes, so giving the defiant dynamo a little space doesn’t lead to great results if you’re guarding her.
“Isabella is a fantastic kid and an extremely hard worker,” raved South Lyon Head Coach Chris Schroudt. “Another coach and I were just talking about this, how we’re fortunate to be part of her career.
“She probably passes more than she should, which is a rare thing for a player of her caliber.”
Survive and advance
Thanks in part to Nooe’s proficiency, the Lions advanced to Friday’s 7 p.m. district final against host Northville.
(To check out video highlights from Wednesday’s game, click here.)
“Normally, I don’t take as many perimeter shots as I did tonight; I like to distribute and finish around the rim,” Nooe said. “When I’m bringing the ball up the court, if I see even a slight lane to the basket, if I’m feeling good, I’ll take it.”
A baller since kindergarten when she honed her early skills on a mini-hoop in her basement, Nooe grew up in a basketball-loving family.
“I have older brothers and younger brothers who play basketball, so competing is something I’ve been doing my whole life,” she added, smiling.
She covets the camaraderie
Nooe said her senior season has been bittersweet as she has loved the camaraderie she has shared with her teammates during their 19-2 run, but realizes how much she going to miss high school hoops once this season comes to an end.
“It’s the little moments I love best — the team dinners, the bus rides,” said Nooe, who next year will play for and pursue a degree in early childhood education at Bethel University in Mishawaka, Indiana. “I love how our connection off the court has translated to success on the court.
“It feels good to beat South Lyon East three times this season because they beat us three times — and knocked us out of districts — my sophomore year.”
As Schroudt emphasized during a post-game interview, the Lions are far from a one-girl show.
Freshman forward Rylee Miller contributed eight points while junior Sarah Nelson scored five points and delivered a stellar defensive effort.
Pair of stars shined for East
Sparkling for East were senior Mariah Timmons (team-high 11 points, including three triples) and sophomore Kaitlyn Therrian, who knocked down three long triples.
The Lions built their insurmountable fourth-quarter lead gradually, expanding their 12-9 first-quarter lead to 25-20 at the half.
South Lyon took a 34-27 advantage into the fourth quarter when they held the Cougars to three points (a triple by Nyla Lake).
Schroudt had high praise for Northville — the only team standing between the Lions and a district championship.
“They’re athletic and tough,” he said, gesturing toward the Mustangs as they warmed up to play Novi. “I’m expecting a really good game Friday night.”
Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com.
