Balanced Effort, Stifling Defense Lift Central Lake Past Baldwin, 49-9

Central Lake girls’ basketball set the tone early and never let up Monday night, rolling to a 49-9 win over Baldwin in Central Lake behind a dominant defensive effort and balanced scoring across the lineup. The Trojans opened with a 14-0 first quarter and controlled the game from the tip to the final buzzer in a matchup played with shortened six-minute quarters due to Baldwin’s travel distance.

The defensive tone was established immediately, as Central Lake held Baldwin scoreless in the opening quarter and allowed just three points in the first half. The Trojans led 14-0 after the first quarter and pushed the margin to 26-3 by halftime, using pressure defense and active hands to disrupt passing lanes and force rushed shots. Baldwin never reached more than four points in any quarter, finishing with just nine for the game.

Offensively, Central Lake spread the scoring load. Joelyssa Hayden paced the Trojans with 12 points to go with three rebounds and two assists, providing a steady scoring presence. Maleeya Hibbard added 11 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals, contributing on both ends of the floor and helping initiate the offense in transition.

In the paint, Abby Miller made a major impact without needing to lead the team in scoring. Miller finished with nine points, eight rebounds and six blocks, along with two assists, controlling the interior on defense and limiting Baldwin to one shot on most possessions. Her rim protection anchored a Central Lake defense that gave up just two points in the third quarter and four in the fourth.

Central Lake also received key contributions from its playmakers on the perimeter. Claire Shooks totaled seven points, four rebounds, three steals and five assists, frequently setting up teammates while also generating extra possessions with her defense. Aspen Evans chipped in four points, three rebounds and two steals, while Charlie Goltz added three points and two rebounds. Myla Hibbard supplied three points, five rebounds, three steals and two assists, further highlighting the Trojans’ depth and balance.

The Trojans’ consistency showed in the scoring by quarter: a 14-0 first quarter, a 12-3 second, an 8-2 third and a 15-4 fourth. Even with the reduced six-minute quarters, Central Lake maintained its pace on both ends, turning stops into scoring opportunities and never allowing Baldwin to build momentum. The performance underscored the team’s ability to combine defensive intensity with unselfish offense as Central Lake looks to carry this form into its upcoming conference slate.