Stoney Creek having solid season with eye on district run

By Mike Moore
C & G Sports Writer

ROCHESTER HILLS — When he returned eight girls to the current roster, all of whom had played significant minutes a year ago, and assessed the up-and-coming talent, Stoney Creek basketball coach Brad Crighton had some rather lofty expectations heading into the 2009-10 campaign.

So far, so good.

“It’s been a pretty good year. Not real surprising, but pretty good for sure,” Crighton said. “When we brought back the core group we did, we knew we’d be able to compete in every game we played. So far, it’s worked pretty well for us.”

“This is a team that’s got a lot of talent. The thing is, we’ve put it together and played very well as a group,” senior center Shannon Midgley said. “I don’t think anyone can be too surprised by this at all.”

The Cougars were 9-5 overall, 7-2 in the Oakland Activities Association White Division, at press time. A Feb. 5 loss to Troy Athens (8-1) has Stoney Creek one game back in the White standings with one division contest remaining, a Feb. 12 battle at Oak Park High.

“We’re going to need some help to win the division, but the focus for us remains on improving from one game to the next,” Crighton said. “While we are experienced, we are young at the same time with four of our top seven players in the sophomore class.”

Improving has been the focus all season, namely because of the team’s tough schedule.
Aside from the OAA White portion, the Cougars’ schedule included four crossovers against OAA Red teams, in which they sported a 2-2 record.

They’ll also face Troy High Feb. 16 in another Red crossover.

“We like it, a lot,” Midgley said of the team’s tough schedule. “Every game we play is a challenge. There’s not once all year we can just show up and expect to win … you play games like this every night and it’s only going to make you better.”

“It’s certainly not by accident,” Crighton said with a laugh when asked about the tough non-league slate.

Looking forward, Crighton hopes the tough competition will springboard his to team to achieve one of its top goals — a district title.

“We’ve never won one,” said Crighton, who’s in his eighth year with the team. “That’s what we’re aiming for.”

“It’s as good a time as ever to win one,” Midgley added. “This program is due for one.”

You can reach Sports Writer Mike Moore at mmoore@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1038.