In a decisive display of skill, Dow High School’s girls’ and boys’ basketball teams both triumphed over Bay City Western on January 10, 2023, in Saginaw Valley League matchups. The girls’ team secured a commanding victory, finishing with a score of 63-26, while the boys’ team followed suit with a 67-56 win.
The Dow girls demonstrated their dominance throughout the game, outscoring Bay City Western in every quarter. After leading 12-5 at the end of the first quarter, the Chargers exploded for a remarkable 17-2 run in the second quarter, building a substantial halftime lead of 29-7. Continuing their strong performance, Dow added 21 points in the third quarter compared to BCW’s 7, extending their lead to 50-14.
Melanie Kolnitys led the Chargers with 18 points and five steals. She was supported by Allie Stockton, who contributed 14 points, seven rebounds, and five steals. Other notable scorers included Delaney DeBoer with 10 points and Mallory Hoeh, who recorded nine points and nine rebounds. For Bay City Western, Addy Zanotti was the standout performer with 12 points and five rebounds, while Olivia Jo Rytlewski added nine points.
The victory improved Dow’s overall record to 2-3, with a 1-2 standing in the Saginaw Valley League. They are scheduled to host Flint Powers on January 12, while Bay City Western’s record fell to 1-3, with an upcoming game against Saginaw Heritage on January 13.
Chargers’ Boys Team Secures Victory
The Dow boys’ team also secured a hard-fought victory, overcoming Bay City Western 67-56. The Chargers started strong, leading 16-8 after the first quarter. Despite a spirited effort from the Warriors, who outscored Dow 20-16 in the second quarter, the Chargers maintained a slim lead at halftime, 32-28. The third quarter proved pivotal for Dow, as they outscored BCW 20-12 to establish a 52-40 advantage heading into the final period.
Leading the charge for the Chargers was James Anderson, who scored 21 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Wynn Diegel contributed 13 points and five rebounds, while Owen Bond made a significant impact with nine points and 14 rebounds. Charlie Franklin, J.D. Curtis, and Chase Wenzel each added eight points to the team’s total.
Dow’s boys’ team now holds a record of 3-5 overall and 1-2 in the league. They will face Bay City Central in their next matchup on January 13.
Other Notable Games from the Evening
Elsewhere in nonconference action, Bullock Creek edged out Hemlock with a narrow 44-42 victory. The Lancers were led by Hunter Habitz, who scored 11 points, while Mason Strayer added 10 points. Coach Justin Freeland praised the team’s defensive improvements, stating, “We’ve improved significantly defensively, which gives us another pathway to find a win some nights when points are tough to come by.” Bullock Creek improved to 4-4 overall and has won three straight games.
In another exciting match, Freeland defeated Saginaw Heritage 65-58. The Falcons showcased a balanced scoring effort, with Tucker Hileman leading the way with 16 points. The win improved Freeland’s record to 8-1, as they prepare to host Frankenmuth on January 13.
Beaverton’s boys’ basketball team also shone, trouncing St. Louis 63-26. The standout duo of Ian Roberts and Landon Love combined for 49 points and 24 rebounds, leading the Beavers to a dominating performance. “The guys played hard tonight defensively,” said coach Shad Woodruff. Beaverton improved to 7-1 overall and will face Roscommon next.
In girls’ basketball, Beaverton secured a commanding 57-22 win over St. Louis, with Myah Hubble leading the charge with 28 points. The Beavers remain undefeated at 5-0.
Freeland’s girls’ team also cruised past St. Johns with a score of 66-28, showcasing strong performances from several players. The Falcons will host Frankenmuth on January 13, looking to build on their momentum.
The evening’s games highlighted the competitive spirit of local basketball, with teams preparing for upcoming challenges and striving for continued success in their respective leagues.
