FRESHMAN JITTERS? Not for this Salem duo who fueled district win

Wow, those pair of freshmen starters for Salem’s girls basketball team sure looked nervous during their first-ever MHSAA post-season game Monday night against host Ypsilanti Lincoln.

Not!!

Playing with senior-esque poise and confidence, Rock ninth-graders Stella Stotz and Lainey Claramunt exploded for a combined 45 points Monday night to fuel Salem’s 74-38 triumph.

With the victory, Salem advances to Wednesday’s District semifinal match-up against a familiar foe: P-CEP neighbor Plymouth.

Wednesday’s tip-off is set for 7 p.m. at Ypsilanti Lincoln High School. Salem and Plymouth split their two regular-season meetings.

Experienced players contributed, too

Just because of Stotz and Claramunt’s eye-popping efforts, don’t be misled into thinking Salem’s upperclassmen didn’t contribute, too.

Seniors Leilah Howard (15 points) and Noelle Martinez (two triples and sticky defense) also played important roles in the triumph, as did sophomore Julia Steinhebel, whose five-point night included a momentum-securing top-of-the-key triple that seemed to send the Rocks into overdrive near the close of the first half.

Lincoln actually led, 11-9, after the first quarter, before the Rocks shifted into avalanche mode and outscored their hosts 21-4 in the second stanza.

No let up

Not taking its foot off the gas pedal, Salem extended its advantage to 48-28 with eight minutes to play.

Two of the most noteworthy highlights of the second half for Salem came when reserves Julia Montgomery and Zoriah Bannister scored buckets. Both players’ scoring plays ignited a wave of feel-good joy from their teammates and coaches.

The Railsplitters were led by Saniyah Gissendaner and Kemari Ransome, who both netted 16 points.

The Rocks, who attacked the basket relentlessly on offense, were rewarded with 27 free throws, 11 of which swished through the nyl0n.

Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com.