Clinton Township, Eastpointe

Aided by a big early run, Clintondale cruises to victory over East Detroit

By Mark Vest
C & G Sports Writer

» Click on image to view full size « Photo by David Schreiber Clintondale junior Rolanda Petty attempts to dribble past East Detroit’s Felisha Hill. The Dragons used a strong start to help pave the way toward a victory. Photo by David Schreiber Clintondale junior Rolanda Petty attempts to dribble past East Detroit’s Felisha Hill. The Dragons used a strong start to help pave the way toward a victory.

EASTPOINTE — The once ailing Clintondale girls basketball team appears to be on the mend.

After dropping their first two league games, the Dragons may be reminding people of why they are the reigning MAC Silver champions, as they have now come back to win their last two.

Clintondale's latest victory came on Jan.17, as it defeated East Detroit 41-30 on the road.

"I'm just glad we won," Clintondale senior Samychia Prattsaid. "We actually ran our offense for once in a lifetime. But we did good. We hustled, got rebounds, and were able to get back up and score."

Clintondale scored the first 10 points of the game, and following that run, East Detroit was unable to mount a serious challenge to the Dragons for the rest of the contest. Clintondale was able to build upon its early offensive explosion, and took a 24-8 lead into the half.

Although the second half didn't feature any big runs from Clintondale, the Dragons' defense never allowed East Detroit to get into any type of offensive rythm. The Shamrocks never scored more than three points consecutively before they were answered by Clintondale, and an 11-point deficit was the closest East Detroit would come to cutting into the Dragons' lead.

Clintondale coach Pete Romano was pleased to see his Dragons team get back to their winning ways.

"I'm always pleased with a victory," he said. "You get a victory under your belt in the league, and you start playing a little different. (Our) ladies could feel it now, and hopefully, we will continue this way Friday."

East Detroit sophomore Tiffany Wilson was a bright spot for the Shamrocks, as she led all scorers with 14 points. Teammate Daniella Marsee chipped in eight points for East Detroit.

The Dragons were led in scoring by Pratt, who finished with 12. Cecilia Donaldson added nine points for Clintondale.

The Dragons will take to the court at 7 p.m. on Jan. 20 against New Haven at home. East Detroit will next see action at 7 p.m. on Jan. 20 as well, as the Shamrocks will take to the road to play at Marysville.

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