Lady Mikes look to extend super season Saturday
CARMICHAELS – For a team devoid of a true superstar, Carmichaels is having one super season. The Lady Mikes will look to extend that season a notch when they battle Sewickley Academy Saturday at noon at Ringgold High School in the WPIAL Class A quarterfinals.
As has been the case all season, Carmichaels (21-2) relied on a balanced attack in a first-round win over Duquesne. Autumn Willis led the Lady Mikes with 15 points, while Christina Antonelli chipped in 11 points and pulled down a game-high 10 rebounds. Also in double figures was Meghan Wood, who wound up with 10 points.
Experience has been a big plus for Carmichaels as well.
The Lady Mikes start five seniors, have won all but 10 of their games over the past 48 contests and are 20-1 over the past two seasons in games decided by 10 or fewer points.
“These kids have been together since junior high, and they been through a lot together,” Carmichaels coach Jim Lane said. “This team epitomizes the word ‘team.'”
The Lady Mikes’ likely starting lineup will include point guard Jessica McMinn, guard Autumn Willis, forwards Amber Willis and Meghan Wood and center Christina Antonelli.
Carmichaels two losses this season have come against the same team, Charleroi.
The Lady Cougars handed the Lady Mikes a 27-point loss to start the season, then, after Carmichaels reeled off 18 straights victories, Charleroi ended the streak with a three-point win.
“They really play well together as a team,” said Geibel Catholic coach George Bortz, whose Lady Gators were defeated twice this season by Carmichaels. “They’re all seniors and they’ve got the experience.
Another key is McMinn. She’s able to penetrate so well, and she has a way of beating the press.
When you have a point guard like her, it’s hard to trap them. And any of them are capable of scoring 15 a game. They’ve played together a long time and it shows.”
The Lady Mikes will not have an easy task, facing a 21-2 Sewickley Academy team that has won 12 straight.
The Lady Panthers had an easier time than Carmichaels in the first round, trouncing Ellis School, 55-27.
Tammy Hoch leads Sewickley Academy with a 15.3 points per game average.