They may be young, but they’re ready. The Midland girls basketball team proved that in their district championship win on Feb. 28 over Midland Dow 56-49. Now the Chemics, who finished the regular season 18-2 overall and a perfect 14-0 in the Saginaw Valley League North, are hoping for more.
“We won a very tough district with that win over Dow,” 13th-year head coach Elaine Mahabir said. “I really believe that any team that can get out of our district always has a great shot at a regional. I think with the senior leadership we have on this team and the consistent play of our underclassmen, we are a very dangerous team in the postseason.”
Aside from senior Jessica Walter (18.3 points per game, 6.1 assists), the Chemics have won with a largely unproven roster, starting as many as three freshmen in some games. The perfect 14-0 league mark was good enough for the team’s third league title in school history and the two wins in districts brought their win total to 20 on the season.
“My kids have played very consistent, and we have great leadership with senior point guard Walter,” Mahabir said.
Aiding the cause for Midland are Jayden Williams (6.7 ppg, 7 rebounds), Alex Vansumerer (6.9 points), Sadie Dewildt (5.9 points), and Emily Resmer (4.4 points, 6.2 rebounds).
The Chemics’ two losses were against state-ranked Nouvel Catholic Central and Powers Catholic, while the Chemics have beaten Dow three times and handled Heritage in two close games, as well.
“The girls have played very stoic all season long,” Mahabir said. “When you are playing alongside Walter, you are able to not have to try and do too much. She finds you when you’re open, she relieves defensive pressure because teams key on her, and she is a great vocal leader. We have started three freshmen for the majority of the season.”