The Dow High Chargers showcased their strength in recent Saginaw Valley League basketball matchups, decisively defeating Bay City Western in both the girls’ and boys’ games on Tuesday, January 24, 2024. The girls’ team triumphed with a commanding score of 63-26, while the boys secured a 67-56 victory.
In the girls’ game, Dow High established control early, outscoring Bay City Western in every quarter. The Chargers led 12-5 after the first period and significantly widened the gap in the second quarter, outscoring the Warriors 17-2 to take a 29-7 halftime lead. Dow continued to pull away, adding 21 points in the third quarter while limiting BCW to just 7.
Melanie Kolnitys led the Chargers with 18 points and five steals. Other notable contributions came from Allie Stockton, who recorded 14 points, seven rebounds, and five steals, while Delaney DeBoer added 10 points. Mallory Hoeh rounded out the scoring with nine points and nine rebounds. For Bay City Western, Addy Zanotti was the standout player, scoring 12 points and grabbing five rebounds.
The Chargers, now with a record of 2-3 overall and 1-2 in the Saginaw Valley League, are set to host Flint Powers on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Warriors fall to 1-3 overall and 0-3 in the league, facing Saginaw Heritage at home on Friday.
In the boys’ matchup, Dow High relied on a balanced offensive attack to secure their 67-56 win. The Chargers led 16-8 after the first quarter, but Bay City Western fought back, outscoring Dow 20-16 in the second quarter to narrow the deficit to 32-28 at halftime.
Dow responded strongly in the third quarter, outscoring the Warriors 20-12 to extend their lead to 52-40. Despite a late push from BCW, which saw them edge Dow 16-15 in the final quarter, the Chargers maintained their lead for the win.
James Anderson was the top performer for Dow, scoring 21 points and securing seven rebounds. Wynn Diegel contributed 13 points and five rebounds, while Owen Bond added nine points, 14 rebounds, and three assists. The Chargers now hold a record of 3-5 overall and 1-2 in the league, with their next game against Bay City Central on Friday.
In other local basketball action, the Bullock Creek boys team narrowly defeated Hemlock 44-42. The Lancers held a slim lead at halftime, and despite a strong effort from the Huskies in the second half, they managed to clinch the victory. Coach Justin Freeland praised his team’s defensive improvements as a key factor in securing the win.
The Beaverton boys team delivered an impressive performance against St. Louis, winning 63-26. Ian Roberts and Landon Love combined for 49 points, leading the Beavers to a commanding victory. Coach Shad Woodruff highlighted the team’s defensive effort and the aggressive play of his leading scorers.
On the girls’ side, Beaverton also achieved a significant victory, crushing St. Louis 57-22. The Beavers demonstrated strong teamwork and energy, particularly from Myah Hubble, who scored 28 points.
Freeland’s girls’ team also had success, beating Saginaw Heritage 65-58, with Tucker Hileman leading the Falcons with 16 points.
Midland High faced challenges, with both their boys’ and girls’ teams losing their games. The boys fell 53-43 to Lapeer, while the girls were defeated by Rockford with a score of 65-39.
The local high school basketball scene continues to deliver thrilling matchups as teams prepare for their upcoming games later in the week.
