By By DAN WEISS / Niles Daily Star
NILES -- Sometimes the best defense is a good offense. But in the case of Niles' 46-36 win over Benton Harbor Thursday night in Big-16 West Division basketball action, the offense simply complemented a solid defense.
Niles outscored the Tigers 20-10 in the first quarter and Benton Harbor never got closer than seven points.
Niles sophomore Brandie Radde, who scored 13 points in the first quarter of the Vikings' victory over Dowagiac Tuesday, scored seven of her game-high 23 points in the opening period Thursday.
Senior forward Ashley Spriggs, playing in her last official home game, made a 3-pointer in the first quarter and finished with eight points.
Late in the third quarter the Tigers went on a 6-0 run to close Niles' lead to seven at 34-27. Following a timeout by Arnold, Radde made a 3-pointer and sank two free throws to give the Vikings a 12-point lead at the end of the period.
The victory moved Niles into a commanding lead in the West Division. With a 6-0 record, the Vikings have clinched at least a share of the title.
Niles junior center Melissa Olsen set a new school record for career blocked shots Thursday night, blocking two shots to move her career total to 79. She also scored four points and grabbed nine rebounds.
Amber Peters scored six points and dished off four assists for the Vikings.
The Niles junior varsity basketball team beat Benton Harbor 51-37. Chardae Ross led the Vikings with 21 points.
The Niles freshmen team suffered a 37-32 loss to Benton Harbor. Kate Sebastian led the Vikings with 13 points.
Niles travels to Lakeshore Tuesday for another West Division game.
Niles………………..46
Benton Harbor….36
Niles: Amber Petes 3 0-0 6, Jessica Johnson 1 0-2 2, Brandie Radde 9 2-2 23, Melissa Olsen 2 0-0 4, Ashley Spriggs 3 1-2 8, Ashley Pingel 0 0-0 0, Leigh Tyler 0 0-0 0, Sarah Dreher 0 3-6 3, Megan Scameheorn 0 0-0 0, Kate Whittaker 0 0-0 0, Colombe Martin 0 0-0 0. Totals: 18 6-12 46
Benton Harbor: Charonne Coleman 1 2-5 4, Tashayla Jackson 2 2-2 7, Natilla Clark 2 0-4 4, Latisha Glass 0 2-2 2, Ebony Whitfield 4 2-2 10, Shante Clark 1 0-0 2, Doneala Hines 2 3-4 7. Totals: 12 11-20 36
Niles 20 8 11 7--46
B. Harbor 10 9 8 9--36
3-point shooting: Niles 4 (Radde 3, Spriggs), Benton Harbor 1 (Jackson). Team fouls (fouled out): Niles 17 (none), Benton Harbor 13 (none). Team records: Niles 14-3 (6-0 Big-16 West), Benton Harbor 12-5 (4-2)