By By SCOTT NOVAK / Dowagiac Daily News
It may have taken six games, but it all finally came together for the Dowagiac varsity basketball team Thursday night in Comstock.
The Chieftains claimed sole possession of first place in the Wolverine Conference with a 62-26 thrashing of the Lady Colts.
Dowagiac (4-2 overall, 4-0 Wolverine Conference) got scoring from its perimeter players and from its inside players.
Freshman Torie Lowe exploded for a career-high 23 points to lead the Chieftains to their fourth straight victory.
"It felt like we finally got things going the way we expected them to all season," Dowagiac coach Greg Blomgren said. "We got points from inside players and points from outside players. It was just a good overall game for everybody."
It was over almost from the start as the Chieftains raced out to a 15-2 lead after one period of play.
Dowagiac increased its lead to 37-8 at halftime and never looked back. The Chieftains outscored Comstock 25-18 in the second half.
"Tonight, we finally played at a level we expect to play at every night," Blomgren said. "We're on the right track. Hopefully we can keep it going against Three Rivers next week."
The Lady Wildcats are an honorable mention selection in the latest Associated Press Class B rankings. Three Rivers will invade Dowagiac Union High School on Tuesday night.
Dowagiac and Comstock both scored six points in the third quarter. The Chieftains outscored the Lady Colts 19-12 in the final eight minutes.
Besides Lowe's game-high 23 points, Dowagiac also got 11 points each from Holly Lowe and Katy Stuppy. Kristy Cooper chipped in with eight points.
Taylor Reed led the Lady Colts with 15 points. No other Comstock player reached double figures.
The Chieftains and Lady Wildcats will tip-off on Tuesday night at approximately 7:15 p.m.
DOWAGIAC 62
Holly Lowe 4 1-2 11, Lindsey Truitt 0 0-0 0, Torie Lowe 8 0-0 23, Kristy Cooper 3 2-3 8, Beth Williams 0 0-0 0, Sada Nealey 0 0-0 0, Katy Stuppy 4 2-2 11, Katie Roach 0 0-0 0, Sara Ausra 1 0-0 2, Shardatsha Fitchett 2 3-3 7. Total: 22 8-10 62
COMSTOCK 26
Britni Buiwitt 1 0-0 3, Asiah Gardner 0 0-2 0, Taylor Reed 6 3-3 15, Tiffany Dasore 0 1-4 1, Casey Klein 0 2-2 2, Angela Vargus 2 0-0 4, Lelah Sellers 0 1-4 1. Totals: 9 7-15 26
Dowagiac 15 37 43 62
Comstock 2 8 14 26
Three-point baskets: Holly Lowe (D) 2, Torie (D) 7, Stuppy (D), Buiwit (C). Totals fouls: Dowagiac 16, Comstock 12. Fouled out: Williams (D). Technical fouls: None. Varsity records: Dowagiac 4-2 overall, 4-0 Wolverine Conference