Calhoun sets a single-game scoring record as Posen claims share of the NSL title

Posen coach Tom Schellie said junior point guard Mary Calhoun had the game of a lifetime when she set a new single-game scoring record with 47 points in a 73-69 victory against Hillman. Mary made 17-of-19 free throws, shot three three-pointers, led a first half comeback, and scored some clutch baskets down the stretch to help the Vikings claim a share of the North Star League. The record was held by Laurie Darga, who scored 33 points in 1983. Posen is 12-1 in league competition and can win the school?s first outright NSL championship since 1980 with a win in their last regular season home game tonight against winless Arenac Eastern.

?It was a big step for us beating Hillman last week, but we do have one game left,? said Schellie. Posen was in non-league competition Tuesday and got one back from Alcona, 52-40. The Vikes lost a double digit lead and the game in early October, but haven?t lost a game since. The girls (15-4) are on a nine-game winning streak heading into tonight?s contest and have won 10 consecutive NSL games. Jenny Ciarkowski had a season-high 12 points and 15 boards against Alcona.

?SHE STEPPED up big,? said Schellie. ?She was pulling down the boards left and right. Jenny is coming along here the last six games. She has been playing really good for us and last night (Tuesday) was the best game of the season. She was a major factor in why we won.? Posen turned the game around in the second quarter after a slow 14-7 start in the first. The score at halftime was 21-18, Posen. Even if the girls earn an outright league title, there won?t be a lot of time to celebrate as they open up district tournament action Wednesday at Hillman against the pesky Tigers. Posen has won three straight against Hillman, including an elimination game in last year?s district tournament. Tip off is set for 7 p.m.

The winner moves on to the district final, November 18, against the winner of the Johannesburg-Lewiston vs. Atlanta game, which is scheduled for Tuesday at 7 p.m.

HILLMAN V. POSEN II was one to remember for the home crowd, which came out in good numbers to support the girls in the key league contest. Hillman also has an excellent draw of fans, and this final meeting of the regular season was no exception. The Hillman crowd had a lot to cheer about early as Posen picked up several defensive fouls and the Tigers, after the Vikings jumped out to a 4-1 lead on a three and free throw by Amanda Pieczynski, had control. After one quarter, the visitors were on top 18-11. Jessica Robinson added to that lead in the opening moments of the second and the Tigers were on top by nine. That?s when Calhoun started her magical night with 43 of her 47 over the next 24 minutes. She sparked the comeback with a bucket and four straight free throws.

HILLMAN KEPT answering, but Roxann Hincka scored down low, Calhoun hit a running jumper, and Pieczynski scored two more of her 16 points to get within three. Hillman was up for the fight and countered with several impressive fast break points, but the tide started to turn close to the end of the first half when Roxann fought for an offensive board and went strong to the hole for two points. That was followed by a lay up by Calhoun to finally trim the Tigers lead to one, 31-30. That?s when the Posen fans really started making some noise. As if feeding off the emotion of the crowd, Calhoun came up with a steal with 48 seconds left to give the Vikes a one-point lead, 32-31. Hillman?s Jessica Tebo put her squad on top with four straight free throws, so the lead was short lived, until Jill Krajniak nailed a three pointer just before the buzzer sounded to make the score 35-all at the break. With the score still knotted at 39-all in the early minutes of the third quarter, Calhoun scored an incredible 15 consecutive points for Posen. She had 17 of the 19 Vikings points in the third quarter. The lead was as high as eight, but was only four going into the fourth.

POSEN GOT the lead back to 10 at the start of the fourth quarter with a 10-5 run

. Baskets came from Amanda Pieczynski, Ciarkowski, Hincka, and Michelle Mulka. The Vikes couldn?t rest easy as Hillman stepped up the defensive pressure and were back to within five when Calhoun hit her final three pointer to make the score 71-63. It still wasn?t over as the Tigers were able to get to within three, but with already key players out of the game with fouls, Hillman couldn?t hold it together in the final minute. Coach Schellie is hoping his squad can turn in another performance like that come Wednesday night when the post season gets underway. Posen has made two straight regional semifinal appearances.

THE POSEN JV is 12-9 with a win against Hillman, 43-39, and a loss to Alcona, 49-46, in double overtime. JV coach Mandee Hincka wasn?t at the game as she finally had her baby. Willie and Mandee are the proud parents of Grayson William Hincka. He was born at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.

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