Ocelot basketball gets strong start in post-season play

Published: 2/26/2011

Off on the right foot

Ocelots start playoff quest with state title win over Muskegon

By Brandon Karsten
Schoolcraft Connection Staff Writer
LIVONIA -- Take a look at the women’s basketball trophy case in Schoolcraft College’s Physical Education Building and you will see plaques and trophies from victories at the conference, state and district level and at various tournaments. However, no national championship trophy would be found. The Ocelots hope that this is the year they add that elusive trophy.
The Ocelots got off on the right foot here Feb. 27, defeating Muskegon Community College 71-53 in the Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA) championship game. It is Schoolcraft’s fourth consecutive MCCAA title. The quest for the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) title begins with the District H tournament March 3-5.
The Western Conference champion Jayhawks came into the Feb. 27 state title game ranked 20th in the NJCAA Division II poll, while Eastern Conference champ Schoolcraft entered that contest ranked fifth. Despite the fact that Muskegon has only one sophomore on its roster, Schoolcraft Coach Karen Lafata knew that the Jayhawks would bring some great competition.
“We scouted them out and they had a legitimate center and good guards,” said Lafata.
Schoolcraft got the game started with a three point shot from Diamond Tolliver (Saginaw). But the first half was highlighted by four lead changes and ended with the Ocelots leading 35-33. The second half saw both teams toughen up on defense by not allowing a score in the first minute and a half until Muskegon scored a three pointer. The Jayhawks would lead by as much as four points.
SC started catching up with a Shawnicka Thomas (Warren Fitzgerald) three pointer to tie the game. Thomas then stole the ball from Muskegon and helped set up Charlise Slater (Ann Arbor Huron) for two points to take the lead. The Ocelots continued to pour it on by taking advantage of Muskegon turnovers and converting them to points. Schoolcraft never looked back after that.
With districts next on the agenda, expectations are high for the Ocelots.
“If we play like that, no one can get in our way,” Lafata said.
Schoolcraft had many players turn in great efforts in the contest. Kimberly Bee (Detroit CMA) had 18 rebounds, eight blocks and nine points. Tolliver had 18 points, 15 of those from three pointers; she also had four steals. Slater came off the bench and scored 12 points while Thomas helped with 19 points.
“Everyone played well,” said Lafata. “Everyone did their job.”
The next contest for the Ocelots will be the District H Tournament that will be held at Mott Community College in Flint on March 3-5. Schoolcraft will face the winner of the matchup of Macomb and Oakland on Friday March 4 at 3 p.m. and, with a victory, would advance to the district final on Saturday, March 5 at 1 p.m.

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