MILAN – Milan’s girls basketball team had chance to win.
Emily Bladen wasn’t going to let it get away.
The junior hit 13-of-14 from the free-throw line and scored 24 points to help the Big Reds earn their first victory of season, topping Jefferson 48-36.
“She was really locked in,” Milan coach Phil Freeman said. “It’s been hard for her. Obviously, everyone knows she is the scoring threat for our team. She’s getting double and tripled teamed every night.”
Seven of Bladen’s free throws came in the fourth quarter when Milan outscored its guests 14-1.
“In the second half we really picked up the effort on the defensive end and frustrated them a little bit,” Freeman said. “The shots they were making in the first half weren’t going in.
“I felt kind of bad for them. We’ve been in that boat quite a bit where you have one good half offensively, then can’t do it in the second half. It was nice to finally be on the other end of that scenario.”
Aryana Bowden added 7 points, and Charleigh Meggison 6 for the 1-20 Big Reds.
“I am so happy for the girls,” Freeman said. “I am so proud of them. They’ve had to fight through a lot of adversity. We’ve had a lot of stuff going on. We’re really young. We only had two girls with varsity experience before this season.
“There’s been a learning curve. There was a lot of growth to do physically and emotionally No one quit. Everyone battled. They stayed the course and believed in each other. The fruits of their labors finally paid off.”
Jaelyn Barath led 5-17 Jefferson with 10 points.
Summerfield 54, Britton Deerfield 16
PETERSBURG – Summerfield ran its record to 16-5.
“We got a chance to work on some things and try some different things,” Summerfield coach Mickey Moody said. “We got to play 13 kids tonight and everyone contributed.”
Jaeli Jones compiled another double-double with 19 points 10 rebounds. Elena Miller racked up 7 rebounds and Moody said Bridget Salenbien, Mayley Mannebach and Sophie Stanger also played well.
Grosse Ile 42, Huron 37
NEW BOSTON – New Boston Huron carried a 6-point lead into the fourth quarter, but was outscored 18-7 in the final period.
Elle Huffman scored 12 points and Addison McFadden 10 for the 7-12 Chiefs.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Roundup of Monroe County Region girls basketball for games of Feb. 23
Reporting by Niles Kruger, The Monroe News / The Monroe News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
