MADI MAGIC: Salem’s Morson pours in 35 in vital victory over Canton
Madison Morson launches a three-point shot over the outstretched hand of Canton’s Marisa Cribari.
When Madison Morson brings her A-game — which is, well, always — and her teammates are swishing three-point shots at the same rate as Steph Curry, whomever is playing Salem’s girls basketball team that night is usually in a world of hurt.
Thursday night inside Canton’s Phase 3 gymnasium, it was the host Chiefs who felt the brunt of the Rocks’ perfect storm.
Playing at a torrid tempo from the opening tip, Salem never trailed in its 60-46 triumph over Canton in a game that featured two teams log-jammed near the top of the Kensington Lakes Activities Association’s West Division.
Winners of three straight, the Rocks are now tied atop the West at 5-2 with Howell, whom Salem upended, 55-50 on Jan. 19.
Better than ever
Morson, who is expected to be among the handful of finalists for Michigan’s Miss Basketball Award, wasn’t her typical splendid self — she was better.
The senior Central Michigan University commit scorched the nets for 35 points — two off her career best — while leading her team to a much-needed victory.
“Madi came out with fire in her eyes tonight,” said Salem Head Coach Rod Wells. “She was phenomenal. Madi and (Canton senior) Justice (Tramble) are two of the best players in the league and I think Madi really wanted to show who is the best in the league.
“Justice is a great player — she is relentless — but Madi was a little better tonight.”
Back on course
Morson said the Rocks have righted the ship since their 43-39 setback to Plymouth nine days earlier.
“We have a young team and we knew there were going to be some growing pains,” Morson said in the wake of Thursday’s victory. “The game against Plymouth was definitely a growing pain.
“It was also a wake-up call, especially for our younger players. The night after we lost to Plymouth, we played Howell with a we-aren’t-going-to-lose attitude. That carried over into this game, which I love and I hope we can continue.”
Wells said he loves how the Rocks cheer each other on and how they each embrace their respective roles.
“They encourage each other, which is great,” Wells said. “And they really root for Madi. They understand Madi pays the bills (he laughed) and they’re all OK with that.”
Everybody chipping in
While Morson may have paid the rent against Canton, a couple of youngsters chipped in for the energy bill.
With Salem holding a semi-comfortable 31-22 early in the third quarter, freshman Julia Steinhebel knocked down back-to-back three-point shots to extend the Rocks’ lead to 15 and force Canton Head Coach Kayla Bridges to call a timeout.
The Rocks made five triples alone in the pivotal third quarter, with Noelle Martinez and Leilah Howard draining one each.
Altogether, Salem made nine long-range treys — a season-high, Wells noted.
Initial intensity
While the perimeter fireworks show was pleasing for Wells, he was ecstatic about the way his team opened the game.
“We played with pace — we sped the game up instead of getting sped up by Canton,” Wells said. “I loved our intensity to start the game. We got after them right away instead of them getting on us.
“The girls played more relaxed tonight; they had fun and just played basketball. After the loss to Plymouth, we got back to basics and focused. We also focused on them having more fun.
“I can be a little rough on them sometimes. I realize now it’s better if I just shut up, let them make the mistakes young teams like ours make, and let them enjoy what they’re doing.”
Terrific Tramble
Tramble was brilliant for Canton, finishing with 20 pionts and 10 rebounds.
Senior Marisa Cribari was solid as well, contributing eight points, nine boards and lock-down defense.
Additional standouts for the Chiefs were Ava Murphy, who drained two first-half threes, and Maya Joiner, who scored six points to go with 11 rebounds and multiple times hitting the floor in pursuit of loose balls.
Taylor Bond (seven rebounds) didn’t score for Salem, but she earned the praise of Wells, who loved her decision-making when and efficient passing.
Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com.
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