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Wolves looking for respect
HS BASKETBALL

SCOTT DAVIDSON
Tribune Staff Writer

The Michigan City girls basketball team is still looking for some respect.

The Wolves, still unranked despite being undefeated, will get a chance to earn it Friday night.

Michigan City (13-0) hosts Class 4-A No. 3 Washington in a clash of area heavyweights.


The Panthers (14-1), state runner-up in 2006, bring a 14-game win streak into the battle.

The contest will feature plenty of speed and athleticism on both squads. Washington will have had a week off after winning the Hall of Fame Classic last Thursday.

Michigan City, which went 4-0 to win the Clay Classic last Wednesday and Thursday, must play at Duneland Athletic Conference foe Lake Central Wednesday. The Wolves also play at Valparaiso Saturday. Michigan City already has league wins over Lake Central and Valpo.

Both coaches, Marilyn Coddens and Gary Collins, know this is a big one. The two could meet again in the sectional next month. A year ago, Washington beat Michigan City 58-54 in the regular season and then 78-71 in the sectional final.

"We respect City,'' said Coddens. "The rankings mean nothing, but they should be ranked.

"It's definitely a huge game with them being a possible sectional opponent. They will be a handful. I've seen them in person twice. They have a lot of very talented players.''

Collins, who is 45-56 in his fifth year at Michigan City, believes his team can earn its due come Friday night.

"We deserve to be in the top 10, but since we're not Valpo or Merrillville, we're not,'' said Collins. "If we beat Washington, we'll get respect. If that's how we have to do it, that's OK.

"It's a huge game. Our kids know it will be a fight from the start until the final buzzer. They have so many weapons, but we match up well with them. Our kids aren't scared or intimidated by Washington. Some of our players played with their players this past summer.''

Washington and Michigan City are mirror images. Both boast standout backcourts and stars on the inside. Washington features guards Skylar Diggins and Emily Phillips, while City counters with Ta'Kenya Nixon and Bianca McGee. The Wolves have 6-foot-3 Emma Tucker, a rebounding and shot-blocking machine, while the Panthers boast hustling 6-1 Ashley Varner on the inside.

Washington averages 67.9 points per game and allows 44.4, while Michigan City checks in at 65.5 and 44.3.

"Our bench could be a big factor Friday," said Coddens. "It's been a huge plus for us. We continue to get great contributions from the players off our bench.''