Farmington Hills Mercy started fast and never looked back Thursday night as it cruised to a 56-41win over host Harper Woods Chandler Park in girls basketball.

The Marlins posted 25 points in the first eight minutes and outscored the Eagles in the second quarter, 11-5, for a commanding lead at halftime, 36-16.

"I liked the energy we came out with, and we played really defensively," Mercy coach Gary Morris said. "Our defense led to some good offense and easy conversions. We followed it up with a solid second quarter."

"In the second half, we weren't quite as efficient defensively. That prevent- ed us from stretching the lead from where it was at the half."

Mercy was outscored in the last two quarters, 25-20, but it made little difference in the final outcome.

Senior Taylor Jones scored 25points for the Marlins (11-2) and had a good, all-round game with eight rebounds and six steals.

Senior Sierra Wangler added four points and four rebounds. The Marlins were 14-of-16 at the foul line. BreAnne Lamar scored 18 points for Chandler Park (7-6).

"It was a good game fo: us in that we played a team that was very physical," Morris said. "They played an aggressive, man-to-man defense the entire game. It was good for us to face that as we get ready for future games."