Plymouth redeems 2025 district loss with big win over Salem
Plymouth senior Mackenzie Dicken executes a left-handed finger role Tuesday night against Salem.
Redemption, it turns out, doesn’t have an expiration date.
On Tuesday night, just under 10 months after suffering a season-ending loss to Salem in the 2025 MHSAA District tournament at Ypsilanti Lincoln, the Plymouth earned a dose of payback with a 44-30 triumph over the host Rocks.
“It’s been over 300 days, but that loss still stings,” said Plymouth Head Coach Ryan Ballard. “Every day this past summer and fall when the girls didn’t feel like working hard, I’d say, ‘Remember the Salem game’.
“Tonight, we wanted to out-tough them and out-pressure them and leave no doubt when it came to the outsome.”
Wildcats shift gears
Following a defensive-dominated first half that closed with the Wildcats embracing a 17-10 lead,
shifted into another gear in the third quarter, matching their first-half point total with 17 points to seize a 34-21 lead.
“At halftime, coach told us — especially me — to attack the rim more to get other players open shots,” said Plymouth senior point guard Emma Johnson. “My most important role for this team is playing defense and leading our press. We turned up the pressure in the second half and it led to some easy baskets.”
Johnson added Tuesday’s win was special for multiple reasons.
“Our seniors had never won a game at Salem, so this one means a lot.”
Inside-outside game
Plymouth improved to 9-3 overall and 4-2 in the KLAA West Division thanks in large part to the offensive exploits of Annie Flavin (15 points) and Mackenzie Dicken (12), who tormented the Rocks from inside the paint and outside the three-point arc. Dicken knocked down two treys and was effective driving hard to the rim, while Flavin was a force in the paint and added a second-quarter triple.
Evelyn Stiglish and Johnson, two of the Wildcats’ defensive catalysts, chipped on the offensive end with seven and six points, respectively.
Sophomore Lainey Claramunt played well for Salem with nine points, all in the third quarter. Stella Stotz, Natalie Lawler and Lillian Saab all scored four points for the Rocks, who slipped to 6-7 overall and 2-5 in the division.
Late second-quarter run sparks win
Salem grabbed an early 10-8 lead in the second quarter before Plymouth answered with a 9-0 run to end the half. The visitors never trailed in the second half.
Johnson, who played all but one minute, led the Wildcats in rebounds (seven), assists (four) and steals (four).
Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com.
