Mavs fall to Holly, Fenton to open 2012-13 season

Last week marked a rough start to the 2012-13 season for Huron Valley Milford, as it went 0-for-2.

The Mavericks opened the season at home with a 46-24 loss to Fenton on Tuesday, Nov. 27.

Milford (0-2) trailed the Tigers 12-9 at the end of the first quarter and 29-18 at halftime: The second half was worse for Milford as it only managed to score 6 points.

“We played a good first half. Our legs gave out on us during the second half and Fenton had a great shooting performance,” said Milford Head Coach Jennifer VanGoethem. “We were getting some good looks and even some offensive rebounds, but were unable to convert it to points.”

Elise Gustafson led the Mavs with 7 points and 6 rebounds, while Lane Andrews had 4 points, 5 rebounds and a steal.

Paige Smith also scored 4 points, which all came from 4-of-4 shooting on free-throws, while also garnering 4 assists and 3 steals for Milford. Maddy Kurtz also had 4 points, 4 rebounds, and a steal.

Milford then traveled to Holly on Friday, Nov. 30 and fell to the host Broncos, 41-37.

The Mavs fell behind 10-0 in the first quarter and trailed 16-8 at the end of the first and 25-17 at halftime, thanks in part to 17 turnovers in the first half.

Milford fought back in the second half by outscoring Holly 20-16 and committing only 4 turnovers, but the Mavs could come no closer to 4 points in the end.

“The first 4 minutes of the game really hurt us. We could hardly get the ball over half court with our turnovers,” VanGoethem said. “However, I was proud of how we responded. After those first 4 minutes, we were poised and under control.”

Andrews led Milford with 10 points, 12 rebounds and 2 steals. Smith and Kurtz each had 7 points and 2 rebounds.

Milford hosted Walled Lake Northern yesterday, Tuesday, Dec. 4 after press time and will play at Clarenceville on Monday, Dec. 10.