Northville Girls Basketball Takes a 45-27 Win

High scorers Brittany Berehulka, a junior, and seniors Aly Bates and Alex Moynes led the Northville Mustangs to a 45-27 win over Salem Friday night, to open the second round of KLAA Central Division play.

Here are highlights of the home game, submitted by head coach Todd Gudith:

"Northville got on the board right off the opening tip on a lay-up by senior Aly Bates. Salem would take an early 5-2 lead on a 3-pointer by Bri Berberet. Northville would control play and take the lead over for good, opening up a 7-point lead after the first quarter.  

"Salem had a number of opportunities inside in the second quarter, but couldn't capitalize and had to settle for just a 3-pointer in the entire quarter. Northville kept the attack on to go up by 14 at the half. Salem hit their first two baskets of the third quarter to trim the Mustang lead to 10, but a triple by Brittany Berehulka kept Salem from closing the gap into single digits. Northville adjusted defensively to close up the middle and keep Salem from mounting any comeback. Northville's Diane Myers bucket as time ran down was the cherry on top of an all-around well-played game for the Mustangs."

Gudith added, "We're playing well right now as a team. Defensively, we've been pretty good all year. Offensively, I think we are starting to turn a corner making better decisions and getting more balance."

The win lifts Northville's record to 8-4 overall, and 4-2 in their division, where they are tied for second place. The team travels to first place Stevenson Tuesday and Novi (tied for 2nd) Friday next week for some big games that will have a major impact on who will finish at the top of the Kensington Lakes Activities Association division.

"This upcoming week is big when you have to play the top two teams both on the road. It'll definitely show what we're made of," Kudith said. 

The Friday night game was also the Mustangs' annual Coaches vs. Cancer night. The nationwide event involves high school and collegiate teams. Profits from a 50/50 raffle, concession stand sales, and Wall of Hope cards were donated to The American Cancer Society.

Coaches from both schools wore sneakers with their game day apparel and the game was played with a pink-colored basketball.