Orioles advance to regional championship game with a solid 54-36 win over Standish-Sterling

Standish-Sterling came into the game with a two-game winning streak which had improved its record to 17-6.

Ludington couldn’t get its shots to fall early in the first quarter, and got down 8-0 to the Panthers before finally getting on the scoreboard.

Once the Orioles scored, they got their press set and from there rattled off nine straight points to take the lead. Ludington maintained the lead the rest of the way.

“In the second quarter, offensively we were just rushing a little bit, and sent them to the free throw line a lot,” said Ludington head coach Warren Stowe.

“But, in the third quarter we were able to settle down offensively, and then turn our defense into offense, much like (last) Friday night.”

RyAnn Rohrer knocked down a 3-point bucket and added a deuce and Abi Bandstra scored four points to lead the Orioles to an 11-10 lead at the end of the first period.

Each team scored 12 points in the second quarter, with Keelyn Laird leading the Orioles with four points in the period, and Ludington had only a 23-22 edge at the half.

Bandstra went 4 for 4 at the free throw line and scored six points and Rohrer added four as the Orioles outscored the Panthers, 20-6 in the third quarter and opened up a 17-point advantage, 43-26 going into the fourth.

Rohrer scored four points in the fourth, and the Orioles finished with an 11-8 advantage in the final eight minutes.

Ludington was led in scoring by Rohrer who had 13 points, followed by Bandstra with 12 and Laird contributed 11 points.

Macey Eagen scored a game-high 26 points for the Panthers, 16 of which came at the free throw line.

“We just had to make an effort as the game went on to rebound a little better, and not foul her as much, which is easier said than done,” added Stowe.

“Once the second half started, we just talked about being more patient and getting multiple shots, and we were able to kind of break it open.

“We probably had 10 or 15 points off turnovers, where we’re getting steals and getting it up to our girls to score layups. We got contributions from everybody. It was nice.”

The Orioles improved to 18-5 and next plays Negaunee for the regional championship on Thursday night in Gaylord.

Negaunee is also 18-5 after defeating Sault Ste. Marie, 42-29 on Tuesday night for its sixth consecutive victory.