Bloomfield Hills

Marian claims consecutive district titles, Country Day keeps 1997 streak going

By Mike Moore
C & G Sports Writer

» click to enlarge « Photo by Donna Agusti Marian’s Kamry Peake protects the ball against West Bloomfield in a district final. The Mustangs won their second straight. Photo by Donna Agusti Marian’s Kamry Peake protects the ball against West Bloomfield in a district final. The Mustangs won their second straight.

Victories at this time of the year never get old, whether its maintaining a two-year streak or keeping one alive that’s been running since 1997.

As Bloomfield Hills Marian girls basketball coach Mary Cicerone put it, “Nothing’s better than winning.”

Marian and Country Day both did plenty of that in the district round.

The Mustangs nabbed their second straight district crown, while Country Day hasn’t missed out on the regionals since 1996.

“It’s always nice to win a district,” Cicerone said. “We’ve been playing real strong lately, and everyone is chipping in. We’re a tough team to key in on right now.”

Marian beat West Bloomfield High 59-39 in a March 1 district final after beating Andover 77-35 in a semifinal and drawing a first-round bye.

The Mustangs (19-3) faced Auburn Hills Avondale in a regional opener after press time. The regional final is set for 7 p.m. March 7 at Waterford Kettering against Utica Ford or Clarkston High.

It keeps going
Frank Orlando isn’t sure exactly how many district titles his Country Day team has won, with the season changing a few years ago.

“But I know 1996 was the last year we didn’t win one,” he said with a laugh. “So whatever that equals.”

The Yellowjackets (17-2) kept the streak going last week with a 43-26 victory against Macomb Lutheran North in a Class B final.

Country Day beat Cranbrook 42-21 in the semifinals after drawing a bye in the opener.

The girls moved on to the West Bloomfield High regional and played in the opener after press time.

The final is set for 6 p.m. March 7 against either Ferndale High or Detroit University Prep.

“I think I say the same thing every year, but this never gets old,” Orlando added. “We only have one starter back from last year and seven new girls on the team. They are getting to experience this and enjoy it. That’s what matters to me.”

You can reach C & G Sports Writer Mike Moore at mmoore@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1038. Follow Mike on Twitter.