Lady Big Reds Hit the Switch Too Late Against SMCC

Late in the third quarter of Monday’s game against Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central, the lights went out in the and with the DJ pumping out the jams, a group of Lady Big Reds started dancing in unison near center court.

Up until that point, it was probably the highlight of the night, as the Kestrels, who held a 29-3 lead at halftime, led 41-10.

When the lights powered back on, the Lady Big Reds looked more confident and sure of themselves. No, the Lady Reds didn’t flip a magic switch and pull off a miracle comeback. They lost 45-22 and fell to 2-7 overall and 0-5 in the Huron League.

But, maybe, it was a sign that the team had turned the corner.

Milan coach Jeff Scott said he thought his team played better to start the second half.

“We’re a young team that’s struggling, and Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central always has a good team. They’re always well-coached, they always move the ball well and they always do the little things. So we knew this was going to be tough,” Scott said. “But we played scared in the first half. Absolutely scared.”

The Lady Big Reds led 3-2 two minutes into the first quarter after a layup by Sarah Ramsey. They never scored another point in the half.

Scott said his girls were just “throwing the ball up and hoping it went in.”

“At halftime, I challenged their hearts, and I think they responded,” Scott said.

Milan outscored the Kestrels 19-16 in the second half and 12-4 after the lights went out.

Ramsey led Milan with seven points and six rebounds. Kirsten Plasters had five points, three blocks and two steals and looked very good in the fourth quarter. Laura Heath added five points. Freshman Sam Coon scored a three-pointer. Coach Scott was also happy with the work of freshman Ashlynn Plasters, who was called up from the junior varsity team to help because one of the Lady Big Red regulars is injured.

Mackenzie Tomasik scored 22 points to lead the Kestrels.

The Lady Big Reds host Monroe Jefferson Thursday night.

It’s a game Scott said his team can win.

“I view it as a winnable game. It’s just a matter of showing up and doing the things we practice,” Scott said. “We’re showing signs of being a team that does the little things we need to do. But we’ve got to be more consistent.”