From staff reports

STEVENSVILLE – The Niles girls’ basketball team stayed a game behind Big 16 Conference West Division leading Benton Harbor Friday night with a 54-42 win over host Lakeshore.

The Vikings improved to 12-4 on the season and 4-1 in division action.

Lakeshore dips to 4-11 overall and 0-6 in division play.

Niles slowly built its lead over the entire four quarters, pulling away from the Lancers at every quarter break.

After leading 16-12 following the opening quarter, the Vikings increased their advantage to 26-13 at halftime.

Lakeshore was able to trim two points off the Niles lead in the third quarter, but still trailed 39-28 heading to the fourth.

The two teams were nearly even in the scoring column in the final quarter, with Niles taking a slight 15-14 advantage to earn the 12-point victory.

Maureen Craig paced the Vikings with 15 points, which came on 5-of-11 shooting from the 3-point line. Craig also had eight rebounds and a steal.

Nichole Sly finished with 14 points, nine rebounds, 10 assists and five steals for Niles.
Jenna Grannell also reached double digits with 11 points. She was credited with three rebounds and two steals.

Kaitlin Cornwell led the Lancers and all scorers with 16 points. No other Lakeshore player was in double figures.

Regan Gallehur finished with nine points.

Niles will get a chance to move into a first place tie with the defending Class A state champion Benton Harbor Tigers next Friday night.

The Vikings and Tigers will then meet for a third time in the opening round of the Class A district in March.

NILES 54
Savannah Wolnik 9; Starr Ford 2; Alex McIntee 3; Brittany Buti 0; Gabby Ezell 0; Maureen Craig 15; Nichole Sly 14; Whitney Ellis 0; Taylor Glick 0; Jenna Grannell 11; Kelsey Crago 0. TOTALS: 21 4-7 54
LAKESHORE 42
Emily LaManna 2; Kaitlin Cornwell 16; Nina Amacarelli 0; Regan Gallehur 9; Heather Gusse 3; Lindsay McNair 0; Cam Tyler 6; Christina Welch 4; Taylor Mass 0; Jillian Buckleitner 0; Cara Sandmann 2. TOTALS: 16 5-8 42

Niles 16 26 39 54
Lakeshore 12 13 28 42
3-point baskets: Niles 8 (McIntee 1, Craig 5, Sly 2). Lakeshore 5 (Cornwell 2, Gallehur 2, Gusse 1). Total fouls: Niles 10, Lakeshore 12. Fouled out: None. Varsity records: Niles 12-4, 3-1 West Division; Lakeshore 4-11, 0-6 West