Grosse Pointes

Grosse Pointe South girls basketball defeated at state final

By Mark Vest
C & G Sports Writer

» click to enlarge « Photo by Patricia O'blenes South's Cierra Rice goes strong to the basket during the Class A State. The Blue Devils fell in overtime 60-54. Photo by Patricia O'blenes South's Cierra Rice goes strong to the basket during the Class A State. The Blue Devils fell in overtime 60-54.

EAST LANSING — Despite overcoming an 11-point fourth quarter deficit to send the game to overtime, Grosse Pointe South's girls basketball team lost to Grand Haven 60-54 in a Class A state final matchup March 16 at the Breslin Center.

South also met up with Grand Haven in last season's state final, with the Buccaneers coming away with a one-point victory in that contest.

Despite his disappointment in not leaving East Lansing with a state title, coach Kevin Richards appreciates the effort he got from his team.

"I'm extremely proud of the girls," he said "We executed the game plan as far as what we wanted to do. I can't say enough about the girls in the locker room."

Forward Claire DeBoer had some ideas as to what it is about her team that helped South not give up and mount a fourth-quarter comeback.

"We've been behind before," she said. "We knew we could come back. (If) we play as hard as we can (and) put pressure on them, we feel we can go out and get some turnovers. I think our pressure really helped us."

While he was hoping it would be his team hoisting a state trophy at the end of the game, Richards understands the quality of opponent his team faced in Grand Haven.

"Having lost a second straight year to the same team, it hurts," he said. "But I just love the way our girls competed. We had the tempo we wated. Give Grand Haven credit; they made some plays when they needed to."

Aside from the fourth, South trailed Grand Haven after each quarter of play. Grand Haven held a 14-9 lead after the first quarter and expanded on it even further in the second, taking a 26-17 lead into the half.

The Buccaneers maintained their nine-point advantage heading into the fourth quarter, as they led 40-31.

Cierra Rice led South with 24 points.

You can reach C & G Sports Writer Mark Vest at mvest@candgnews.com or at (586)279-1112. Follow Mark on Twitter.