Source: Hometown Life

Author: Dan O'Meara

Farmington Hills Mercy positioned itself as the frontrunner in the race for the Catholic League Central Division title in girls basketball Tuesday.

The Marlins ended a five-game losing streak against rival Bloomfield Hills Marian with a 32-25 victory on their home floor.

Mercy gained sole possession of first place in the division with a 6-1 record. Marian and Warren Regina are tied for second at 5-2.

The Marlins, who are 9-4 overall, can clinch the championship by winning their division finale Friday night at Livonia Ladywood.

Mercy, which led virtually the entire game, was ahead at halftime, 15-12, and the end of three quarters, 23-21. The Marlins held the Mustangs to just four points in the fourth.

“I’m just really, really proud of the kids,” Mercy coach Gary Morris said. “I thought we came out ready to play tonight.

“I thought we defended well the entire game. On offense, we made enough plays and enough shots to get by.

“We could have made life a little bit easier if we had made a few layups in both halves. We definitely missed a few bunnies.

“It’s just a very nice win for us and puts us in a position to win the Central Division, which would be a very nice accomplishment.”

Zora Pullen led the Marlins with nine points. Jackie Bauer and Katie Bryce scored six apiece and Jenna Schluter four.

Jordyn Schluter had a team-high five rebounds and added three points. Pullen and Bauer brought down four caroms each; Jenna Schluter also had five assists.

Maria Kaschalk scored nine points for the Mustangs (10-4), too. Elizabeth Grobbel and Lauren Montalbano added five each.

Mercy was 7-of-10 shooting free throws, Marian 9-of-18.

“Points were at a premium for both teams," Morris said. “We scored only nine in the fourth quarter, but four players scored and all of them made big shots.”