Lady Stars improve hoop mark to 10-2

By Michael Leek
Sports Editor

The LCC women’s basketball team won its 10th game of the season on Wednesday, Dec. 13, defeating Edison State Community College 67-60 at LCC.

The win improved the Stars’ record to 10-2. They remain undefeated at home.

Two players for the Stars were on fire from the three-point line, making a combined eight of the team’s nine threes.

LCC freshman guard Ellie Humble finished with 15 points, scoring all of them from three-point range, shooting five for eight. Freshman guard Bailey Hosford made three three-pointers herself and also finished with 15 points.

Although the Stars have been without starting guard Peyton Anderson, LCC Head Coach Megan Hudson said the team has been able to stay focused and continue winning.

“I could tell the girls were ready,” Hudson said. “They were loose and focused during their warmups and pre-game.”

LCC freshman Ellie Humble keeps the ball away from an Edison State player during action Dec. 13 in the Gannon Building gym.  Photo by Kaitlyn Delaney

On a night where the three-pointers are falling, Hosford said the Stars approached the game the same way.

“Our coaches and teammates have given us all the confidence to shoot the ball when open, and we do,” Hosford said. “When you have players like we do, it makes it hard for teams to just focus on one of us. We continue to play together and try to find open shots.”

Without Anderson, the team leader in steals, Hudson said the Stars still kept a balance between good scoring and tenacious defense.

During close games, Hudson said she wants the team not to get complacent.

“Basketball is a game of runs, and with the three ball you can’t be comfortable with a small lead,” Hudson said. “Our players have been in a lot of close games this season already. That experience and chemistry together is showing.”

The Stars were able to maintain a lead throughout the game by knocking down six more threes than Edison State.

While the holiday break approaches and only two more games remain before then, Hudson has a “holiday break plan” for the players.

“It will give players some time off to rest both mentally and physically, but also keep them in fitness,” Hudson said.

The two remaining games are at Grand Rapids Community College this Saturday, Dec. 16, and against no.16 ranked Mid Michigan College at LCC on Tuesday, Dec. 19.

Next month the Stars will enter into conference play. Hudson said she has high expectations for the team despite a strong MJCAA Western Conference.

“The western side of the conference is looking very strong this season,” Hudson said. “We have a great opportunity, though, to finish at the top, which is one of our season goals for ourselves. We are peaking at the right time and will be prepared!”