Jonesville, MI. – In a big showdown between two of the top 1 loss teams in the state the Arbor Prep Gators left the friendly confines of their swamp and rolled into the Comet country of Jonesville. Both teams have played spectacular basketball and the joint was jumping with excitement to watch their teams square off.
The Comets dominated early on playing a fast-paced uptempo game and took a commanding 7-0 lead before Gator’s Head Coach Scott Stine had seen enough and called a time out to regroup his girls. Whatever he said worked because the Gators forced 4 turnovers right afterward to get back into the game. After forcing 3 more turnovers they left the first quarter with a 16-13 lead.
After another fast-paced defensive frenzy and several fouls on both teams, 10 on each team at the half, the teams entered their respective locker rooms with the Comets trailing by 6.
In the third quarter was where the big difference of the game really came from as the Gators exploded for the first ten points holding the Comets scoreless as the Utomi twins, Stacy and Stephanie, went on a tear crashing the boards for big rebounds and making several big baskets on the inside. The Gators only allowed the Comets to score 5 points in the third and took a huge 52-27 lead into the final quarter.
It was more high octane offense and tough defense by the Gators in the fourth. The Comets tried to fight and claw their way back into the game but they just couldn’t get it done, dropping a 66-38 loss for just their second loss on the season against 12 victories.
The Gators were led by senior guard Kari Woods with 19 points, and Stacy Utomi with 16 points, 16 rebounds, and was 8-9 from the free-throw line. Her sister Stephanie finished with 12 points, and sophomore sensation Taylor Wallace had 9 points hitting on two deep 3 point shots.
The Comets were led by senior star Mackenzie Baker who finished with 15 points, while Marissa Lehman had 6, and Julie Mach had 5.
Arbor Prep next tips off on the 15th hosting a solid Lake Fenton team while the Comets look to get back on the winning track Thursday night, the 10th, hosting 4-8 Concord.
