Junior Ava Bates erupted for 25 points Friday night as the Ovid-Elsie Lady Marauders cruised past Montrose, 54-40.  Bates added 6 rebounds and 4 steals while connecting on 53% of her shots.

"It was the kind of night we have been waiting for from Ava," said Head Coach Ryan Cunningham.  "She is more than capable and tonight she was hitting on all cylinders."

Montrose came out swinging and took at slight 15-13 advantage after the first quarter but OE stormed back with a 22-8 second stanza, in part because of Bates's 17 first half points.

"We were a little slow getting out of the gates," Cunningham said.  "We made some adjustments in our press and I think we were a little off in our assignments.  But in that second quarter, we got things worked out and built a nice lead.  It was a great win and it was great to see every kid get into the game and contribute in some fashion."

The Lady Marauders continued their high scoring affair with a 15-8 third quarter before relinquishing a 9-4 fourth quarter to the Rams.

Evalyn Cole hit double digits once again with 13 points to go along with 5 rebounds, 4 steals and 4 assists while Ellyanna Carman chipped in with 5 points and 4 rebounds and Hailee Campbell 4 points and 3 rebounds. Kiah Longoria added 3 points, 4 assists and 2 steals with Aubrey Kurka and Braeden Tokar (3 assists and 3 steals) rounded out the Marauder scoring with 2 points each.

Ovid-Elsie handed out 13 assists on 20 made baskets and collected 16 steals off of 32 Montrose turnovers.  In the rebound category, the Marauders and Rams were dead even at 28 caroms each.

Ovid-Elsie will host New Lothrop on Tuesday night at 5:30 p.m. and will also play host to Chesaning on Friday night at 5:30 p.m.