Source: Observer/Eccentric

Author: Dan O'Meara / John Stormzand

Farmington Hills Mercy got back on the winning side of the score Tuesday with a 60-25 romp past visiting Livonia Ladywood in girls basketball.

The Marlins, who had their first loss Friday to Dearborn Divine Child after starting the season with six straight wins, rolled out to a 23-5 lead after one quarter.

Mercy held the Blazers to single-digit scoring in every quarter. The Marlins extended their lead to 35-11 at halftime and 51-20 through three periods.

"I thought we came out focused and ready to play," Mercy coach Gary Morris said. "Consequently, we got off to a good start.

"The really nice thing about tonight's game was we were able to give some extended minutes to kids who haven't had many minutes so far this season."

All 11 players scored for the Marlins, who are 2-1 in the Catholic League Central Division and 7-1 overall.

Taylor Jones led the way with 15 points. Jordyn Schluter scored eight and four others – Zora Pullen, Sierra Wangler, Kailey Savona and Katie Bryce – added six points apiece.

Jones also dished out eight assists. Claire Murray and Jackie Bauer had seven and six rebounds, respectively, in addition to two points each.

Morgan Larkin tallied seven points and Amber Riethmiller six for the Blazers, who are 0-2 in the division and 2-8 overall.

The Marlins will play at undefeated and defending Class A champion Bloomfield Hills Marian at 6 p.m. Friday in what Morris says will be a "colossal challenge."

It will be a rematch of last year's state semifinal game in which the Mustangs defeated Mercy at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, 67-55.