The Milford girls basketball team lost to rival in a Lakeland in a hard-fought 46-40 game on Thursday.

Every time Milford scored to get closer, Lakeland would score right after to stay ahead.  “I thought it was a good game,” said Freshman Coach Sander.  “We just needed a few more baskets to fall our way, but that’s the name of the game. If you can’t get them to fall you can’t do anything [about it].”

Claire Slaughter scored 16 big points for the team and had six steals, and close behind her was Paige Smith with 11 points.

“We talked to the girls and they played really well,” said Assistant Varsity coach Adrianne Hincka.  “It came down to the shots were falling for Lakeland and weren’t for Milford.”

There are many new faces this year on the team, which made for a difficult adjustment.  The team is very young with freshman Elise Gustafson and sophomore Maddy Kurtz on the team.

“Everyone knows what they’re doing, so you have to gain confidence to get on their level,” said Gustafson.  “We’re expecting that our younger players adapt to varsity ways,” said head Varsity coach Jennifer VanGoethem.

Only two seniors have returned to the team: Becky LaPointe and Claire Slaughter, who are both captains this year.

“We’re trying to improve from last year,” said Hincka.  “We were fifth in the division out of six teams.”

The coaches have been keeping the girls in shape and on their toes with intense workouts, doing fundamentals every day, such as form drills for shooting, and jump, stop, and pivoting exercises.

Plus, with Hincka being the head coach for girls track and field there is a lot of running and conditioning.

“I’m excited for this season,” said Junior Lane Andrews.  “We have a lot of potential this [year].”

The team is all so young, but they have a great chance at improving their skills to become excellent players in the coming years.  The Varsity team works well together, which shows when they play the game.

“They’re a very dedicated team,” said VanGoethem.

The Milford girls basketball team lost a tough game to Lakeland, 46-40. The team’s next action will be Dec. 28 against Farmington Hills Harrison in the Northville Holiday Tournament.