Lady Panthers Make it Back-to-Back GLAC Championships

It came down to one game for all the marbles for the GLAC girls’ basketball title Thursday night when Stockbridge traveled to Olivet for a winner take all match-up.

Olivet had handed the Panthers its only league loss in February  when a fourth quarter Panthers collapse and a 24-point fourth quarter by Olivet helped lift the Eagles over the Panthers 54-42.

There would be no second half collapse by the Panthers Thursday night as they had their foot on the gas from the opening tip and routed the Eagles 64-26 to claim the GLAC title.

While the offense played well all, it was the Panthers swarming defense that kept the Eagles grounded all night. They did not allow the Eagles three-point shooters get open. The Panthers were everywhere, tipping passes, blocking shots, diving for loose balls.

They truly showed they wanted it badly from the start.

Grace Hall and Gwen Rogozinski scored six each in the first quarter to help the Panthers take a 13-6 lead after one.

Stockbridge struggled a little offensively in the second missing some open shots, but Chelsey Asquith was four of four from the free throw line and the Panthers were six of eight for the quarter as the lead grew to 28-17 at the half.

The third quarter was an impressive sight as the Panthers left no doubt that there would be no second half let down against the Eagles this time.

The defense smothered Olivet and limited them to just two points in the third, while the offense exploded for 21 points and a commanding 49-19 lead after three.

Rogozinski would score 14 in the third, including a free throw that would make her Stockbridge girls basketball all-time leading scorer.

The Panthers would spend the fourth quarter cruising and celebrated the victory and league title after the final horn.

Rogozinski now sits atop the Panthers girls’ basketball record books with 1082 points. She passed previous record holder Tara Porter with 1075. She finished with a team high 27 points on the night.

Kaylee Dalton finished with four clutch triples and 13 points, while Madison Mazuca finished with 11 points, including four in the big third quarter run that helped put the game into cruise-control.

Asquith and Hall both finished with six points and Brooklyn Rochow one, most at key parts of the game that helped the Panthers build their lead.

The Panthers finish 11-1 in the conference. They will host Fowlerville on Senior Day Saturday at 11:30 and will begin Division 2 district action Monday night against Blissfield at Tecumseh.