Vitamin D(efense) powers Canton’s improbable rally over Salem

 Vitamin D(efense) powers Canton’s improbable rally over Salem

McKinsey Berlin releases a three-point shot over Salem’s Lainey Claramunt.

Frustrated offensively by Salem’s scrappy contingent of defenders, Canton’s girls basketball team came within a McKinsey Berlin basket of getting shut out in the first quarter of Friday’s always-intense rivalry game.

Fear not, Cobra fans, who were uplifted when their team fought fire with fire in the second half — seemingly injected at halftime with a difference-making dose of Vitamin D(efense).

Playing with a renewed urgency, Canton outscored Salem 13-0 in the third quarter on the way to posting a rejuvenating 32-26 victory on a night when Canton’s most-recent Hall of Fame inductees were recognized at halftime of the boys game, which followed the girls match-up.

Canton senior Essence Jelks is defended by Salem senior Leilah Howard
Canton senior Essence Jelks is defended by Salem senior Leilah Howard

Canton and Salem now share 3-6 records in the KLAA West, which is led by resurgent Northville (8-1).

(To check out highlights from Friday’s game, click here.)

Berlin carries offensive load

Nearly half of the Cobras’ points were delivered by sophomore sensation Berlin, who netted 11 of her team-high 15 points in the second half.

Berlin was also a force on the defensive end, blocking multiple shots around the rim and disrupting several more Rock drives.

Trailing 18-9 at the half, Canton pulled to within 18-15 on a Berlin jump shot at the 5:37 mark. Just over three minutes later, sophomore Devyn Reiger buried a long triple to give Canton its first lead of the night, 20-18.

McKinsey Berlin alters a shot by Elissa Antoun
McKinsey Berlin alters a shot by Elissa Antoun

The Cobras stretched their lead to 30-23 with 1:52 to go on a bucket by Berlin.

While Berlin was magnificent, her supporting cast sparkled as well.

Reiger, Moore contribute, too

Reiger scored seven points and Samantha Moore chipped in with six.

Canton sophomore Ashley Garcia scored two points in a reserve role. More importantly, she gave the Cobras’ an energy boost on defense in the second half.

Canton senior Julia Allen guards Salem freshman Stella Stotz
Canton senior Julia Allen guards Salem freshman Stella Stotz

A play that reflected the Cobras’ second-half hustle unfolded in their momentum-seizing third quarter run when Moore and Reiger both hit the deck with Salem’s Alissa Antoun in pursuit of a loose ball.

While still sitting on the court, Reiger secured the ball and delivered a bounce pass to teammate Ava Murphy, who sped up court on a fast-break.

Cobras’ stifling ‘D’ helps blank Rock star

One of the keys to the victory for Canton was holding Rock leading scorer Leilah Howard scoreless.

The Rocks were led offensively by freshman Lainey Claramunt and sophomore Julia Steinhebel, both of whom scored six points. Antoun and freshman Stella Stotz added four points each.

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

Canton players celebrate following their comeback victory over Salem
Canton players celebrate following their comeback victory over Salem

Ed Wright

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