MACOMB, Mich. — Wixom St. Catherine’s senior guard Stephanie Lisch displayed a remarkable shooting performance on Tuesday night, leading her team to a decisive 58-38 victory over Macomb Lutheran North in a Catholic High School League AA Division matchup. Lisch notched 15 of her game-high 20 points in a dominant third quarter, helping the Stars secure their position at the top of the division standings with a 4-0 record.
The Stars started the game slowly, holding a narrow 13-11 lead after an evenly contested first quarter. St. Catherine expanded its advantage by outscoring Lutheran North 8-5 in the second period, heading into halftime with a slim 20-16 lead. Despite a strong showing from Lutheran North early in the third quarter, which included back-to-back 3-pointers from freshman Amanda Kress and sophomore Chloe Koyl, the Mustangs could not maintain the momentum.
The turning point came midway through the third quarter when the Stars responded to a moment of adversity by launching an explosive 24-6 run. Lisch showcased her sharpshooting prowess, sinking multiple baskets and a trio of 3-pointers that electrified the visiting crowd. By the end of the third quarter, St. Catherine had established a commanding 49-31 lead, having outscored Lutheran North 29-15 in that pivotal frame.
St. Catherine coach Dave Skown praised his team’s performance, particularly the impressive defensive game plan that limited Lutheran North’s scoring opportunities. “We focused on denying the ball to their key players,” Skown remarked. “That pressure helped us in keeping their big player, Leighton Garner, in check.”
Sophomore guard Ava Kruschka also played a crucial role in the victory, contributing significantly on both ends of the court. As the game progressed, the Stars maintained control, finishing the fourth quarter with an additional 9-7 edge to seal their 20-point triumph.
Despite their offensive struggles, Lutheran North managed to secure a slight edge in rebounding, 37-36. The Mustangs, however, faced challenges with ball control, committing 18 turnovers throughout the match. Coach Andrea Tiedt expressed concern over the lack of energy that plagued her team during the game. “We just didn’t bring the same intensity we had in our last few games,” she noted. “Our offense struggled, and it really impacted our ability to play our game.”
Kress led Lutheran North with 15 points and nine rebounds, while the highly-touted center Garner was limited to nine points and struggled to find her rhythm. The Mustangs finished the night shooting just 24.6 percent from the field, making it challenging to compete against a well-coordinated St. Catherine squad.
With this victory, St. Catherine improved to 7-4 overall, solidifying their standing atop the five-school division as they progress through the league season. The Stars’ effective teamwork and strategic defense played a pivotal role in this significant win, showcasing their potential as a formidable competitor in the upcoming games.