Saline Tops Livonia Stevenson: 5 Takeaways
Recap Livonia Stevenson visited Saline for a nonconference game. Saline grabbed control early with superior post play and aggressive defense. They continued to step into passing lanes, force turnovers, and feature their playmakers. Saline rolled to a 62-32 final score.…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingRecap
Livonia Stevenson visited Saline for a nonconference game. Saline grabbed control early with superior post play and aggressive defense. They continued to step into passing lanes, force turnovers, and feature their playmakers. Saline rolled to a 62-32 final score.
5 Takeaways
Steffi Bentley is a star in the making.
Bentley is a senior center that flashed a ton of potential. She’s long, athletic, and able to get up the floor. Bentley consistently rebounded and hit a guard or wing with a solid outlet pass. She finished the night with 26 points and 11 rebounds.
Livonia Stevenson showed heart.
When an opponent gets off to a fast start, it’s sometimes easy to hang your head and pack it in for the night. There was no sign of that all evening from Stevenson. The players on the floor and the bench were engaged all night. They continued to make hustle plays despite the score.
Saline can compete in the paint.
Saline controlled the paint all night against Livonia Stevenson. Their post players walled up on defense and altered almost every shot. The combination of Bentley, Natalie Sweetland (2021, F), and Beth Ann Ford (2023, C) was terrific. They set the tone for the game. Sweetland finished with 7 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals. Ford chipped in with 2 points and 4 rebounds.
The aggressiveness of Aubrie Ickes (2022, 5’9″, F) and Mackenzie Wilson (2021, 5’4″, G) wii play dividends for Livonia Stevenson.
Wilson was aggressive with dribble all game. She saw some success with it as well. She was able to drive right, get to the rim, and draw contact. Ickes used her versatility to stay aggressive. She battled in the paint on defense and was able show off a mid range jumper.
Saline has a 1-2 punch.
Let’s not forget that Saline’s Ella Stemmer (2021, G) is a bona fide star. She’s considered a top 10-15 ranked prospect in her class in Michigan. The emergence of Steffi Bentley could give the Hornets a lethal 1-2 combo that allows them to play outside-in or inside-out. Against Stevenson, the 2 combined for 43 points and 18 rebounds.