Harrison Township’s L’Anse Creuse showcased impressive shooting skills during their decisive victory over Warren Fitzgerald, winning 58-38 in a Macomb Area Conference Gold Division matchup on March 5, 2024. The Lancers’ performance was highlighted by a remarkable second quarter in which they outscored the Spartans 24-6, making five three-pointers in that period alone.
L’Anse Creuse coach David Kuznia praised his team’s shooting, stating, “I thought we shot it really well tonight, especially in that second quarter. We started to hit our threes and went on that big run.” This victory marks a significant turnaround for the Lancers, who finished fifth in their league last season and only managed two wins.
The Lancers began the game with a narrow 14-11 lead after the first quarter. However, they quickly found their rhythm from beyond the arc, with fifteen of their 24 second quarter points coming from three-pointers. By halftime, L’Anse Creuse held a commanding 38-17 lead.
Warren Fitzgerald struggled to keep pace, scoring only 13 points in the third quarter while L’Anse Creuse maintained their momentum with a 51-30 advantage entering the final frame. Although the Spartans managed to close the gap with an 8-7 run in the fourth quarter, they could not recover from the deficit.
The Lancers’ success was largely driven by junior guard Allison Tuladziecki, who led all scorers with 27 points, including six three-pointers. Tuladziecki’s early scoring set the tone for the game, as she hit two triples in the first quarter and three in the second. She also contributed significantly from the free-throw line, finishing 5-for-8, alongside two two-point baskets.
Supporting her efforts, senior guard Alexa Miricle added 10 points, while senior forward Avery Starnes and junior center Elisia Simpson contributed eight and six points, respectively. Simpson also made her presence felt on the boards, securing 13 rebounds.
Kuznia noted the importance of experience among his players, particularly those who have progressed from sophomores to juniors. “I had four girls that came up as sophomores last winter and now they’re juniors. They are advancing, getting better, and have more experience under their belts,” he explained. This experience has been pivotal in their current success, as they continue to build chemistry on the court.
The Lancers improved their record to 6-5 overall and maintained their undefeated status in the MAC Gold Division at 3-0. They are set to face St. Clair on Thursday, where they will look to continue their winning streak. Kuznia emphasized the importance of their challenging early-season schedule, stating, “I think our schedule prepared us fairly well for the league. It’s kind of paying off now.”
On the other hand, Warren Fitzgerald fell to 8-3 overall and 1-2 in the division. Sophomore Aliyah White led the Spartans with 19 points, while junior Shavon Williams and senior Taylor McCants contributed nine and eight points, respectively. First-year coach Connie Frikken expressed disappointment over her team’s inability to keep up with L’Anse Creuse’s shooting, particularly in the second quarter when the game slipped away.
Frikken noted, “We were only down three entering the second quarter, but then L’Anse Creuse really started to make their shots.” She highlighted White’s performance, commending her consistency throughout the season. However, she acknowledged the team’s need for stronger contributions from others to compete effectively.
As L’Anse Creuse prepares for their next challenge, their recent performance serves as a reminder of their potential and the importance of teamwork and experience in achieving success on the court.
