December 9, 2025

Lapeer turns up the pressure, claims season-opening win over North Branch

The Lapeer Lightning opened their season with a hard-fought 37–32 win over visiting North Branch on Tuesday night, showcasing stretches of disruptive defense and timely execution in front of their home crowd.

The Lightning started the night by weathering some early trading of baskets, trailing 8–6 after the first quarter as both teams settled into the pace and physicality of the opener. Despite the early deficit, Lapeer stayed composed and began to dictate the tempo late in the second quarter. Down 14–10, the Lightning pieced together a confident run—stringing stops together, attacking the paint, and generating quality possessions—to close the half with a 17–14 lead.

That spark carried directly into the third quarter, where Lapeer played its strongest and most connected stretch of the night. The Lightning ramped up their defensive pressure, forcing rushed decisions, disrupting passing angles, and turning North Branch miscues into transition opportunities. Powered by that energy, Lapeer outscored the Broncos 13–6 in the frame to build a 30–20 advantage heading into the fourth.

Senior center Jayla Holiday led Lapeer with nine points, delivering several timely baskets that halted surges and settled momentum. Junior Alex Obidos added six points while anchoring key defensive stretches, applying pressure on the perimeter and generating turnovers that shifted the game’s rhythm. Senior Lilly Norman contributed six points on two timely three-pointers, stretching the floor at critical moments while grabbing five of her six rebounds on the defensive end.

Sophomore Taylor Morris also had a strong presence on the glass, mirroring Norman's six rebounds but pulling down five of her rebounds on the offensive end, helping Lapeer extend possessions and control the tempo. Senior Madison White, despite battling foul trouble, finished with four assists and three steals. Senior Alana Kosmak contributed another three steals along with timely rebounds, helping Lapeer maintain its defensive intensity throughout the night.

North Branch mounted a final push in the fourth quarter, led by freshman Sydney Bailey, who scored six of her nine points in the final eight minutes as the Broncos extended pressure and tightened the margin. But Lapeer responded with poise, leaning on its defense once more to close out the win.

In the end, North Branch senior Aubree Deshetsky finished with a game-high 13 points, including a 5-for-7 performance at the free-throw line. Her effort helped fuel the Broncos’ competitiveness throughout the night, but Lapeer’s third-quarter surge and defensive consistency proved to be the difference.

The 37–32 victory marks an exciting start for a seasoned Lightning roster—one that used toughness, balance, and activity on both ends to secure an opening-night win.

December 12, 2025

Lightning gain valuable experience in conference opener

The Lapeer Lightning girls basketball team opened Saginaw Valley Conference play Friday night by hosting Powers Catholic in the league opener for both teams.

Powers set the tone early, building a 32-0 lead in the first quarter behind efficient shooting and defensive pressure. The Chargers connected on 10 of 22 shots from the field, including five of 11 from three-point range, while committing no turnovers in the opening period and forcing 19.

Lapeer responded with its best stretch of the night in the second quarter. The Lightning competed on both ends, tightening defensively and finding better offensive rhythm. Lapeer scored six points in the period while limiting Powers to eight, turning the quarter into a more balanced and competitive stretch of play. Powers carried a 40-6 lead into halftime.

Powers opened the second half with another strong quarter, scoring 26 points in the third while holding Lapeer to two. The Chargers added 13 points in the fourth to finish with a 79-8 conference win.

Senior Madison White led the Lightning with four points, while Jayla Holliday paced Lapeer on the boards with five rebounds. The contest served as an early measuring stick for Lapeer against a conference opponent in just its second outing of the season.

For Powers, senior Kendall Smith, last season’s Saginaw Valley Conference Player of the Year, opened her season with 25 points, while sophomore Evah Smith added 24.

While the final score favored the visitors, the matchup provided valuable experience for the Lightning as conference play begins. Lapeer will return to Saginaw Valley Conference action Tuesday when it hosts Davison.

December 17, 2025

The Lapeer Girls Varsity Basketball team returned home for a Saginaw Valley Conference matchup, hosting the Davison Cardinals in what marked the second league game and third contest of the season for both teams.

Each squad entered the night with identical 1–1 records, setting the stage for a competitive conference battle.

Lapeer came out with strong energy in the opening quarter, setting the tone early on its home floor. The Lightning played sound defense and moved the ball effectively, edging Davison 10–9 after one quarter of play.

Davison responded in the second quarter, using a scoring run to swing momentum. The Cardinals outscored Lapeer 16–9 in the period, taking a 25–19 advantage into halftime.

Coming out of the break, both teams traded baskets and played competitive basketball throughout the third quarter. Davison maintained its edge by outscoring Lapeer 18–13 in the period, extending the lead to 43–32 heading into the final eight minutes.

Lapeer continued to compete in the fourth quarter, but Davison’s efficiency and ability to force turnovers proved to be the difference as the Cardinals closed out a 53–40 Saginaw Valley Conference victory.

Senior Kaylee Whitney led the Lightning offensively with 12 points, knocking down four three-pointers. Whitney also paced Lapeer on the glass with seven rebounds, including six on the defensive end. Senior Madison White added 10 points for the Lightning, while senior Lilly Norman contributed six points and three steals.

Lapeer held an advantage on the boards, out-rebounding Davison for the game, and shot 42 percent from beyond the three-point arc. Davison, however, finished at 39 percent overall from the field compared to Lapeer’s 28 percent shooting and forced 10 more turnovers, creating additional scoring opportunities.

Davison was led by senior Sammi Beller with 24 points, while senior Savannah Rice added 11 points for the Cardinals.

Lapeer continues Saginaw Valley Conference play by hosting Saginaw United on Friday night at Lapeer High School. Varsity tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m., with the junior varsity game beginning at 5:30 p.m.

December 19, 2025

Lightning rallies late to slip past Saginaw United in conference play

The Lapeer varsity girls basketball team earned a hard-fought 37–36 victory over Saginaw United on Friday night, pulling out a one-point Saginaw Valley Conference win on its home floor.

Saginaw United entered the matchup eager to secure its first victory of the season and set the tone early with aggressive play on both ends of the floor, building a 10–9 lead after the first quarter. The Phoenix continued to pressure Lapeer in the second, taking a narrow 17–15 advantage into halftime as both teams battled through a physical, defense-driven first half.

United maintained control coming out of the break, extending its lead to 26–23 by the end of the third quarter. With momentum leaning toward the visitors, Lapeer faced its largest challenge heading into the final eight minutes.

Trailing by one with 3:30 remaining, the Lightning responded with composure on both ends of the floor. Lapeer outscored Saginaw United 14–10 in the fourth quarter, taking the lead late and holding on through the final possessions to secure the conference victory.

Defense and rebounding proved to be key factors in the win. Lapeer out-rebounded Saginaw United 49–44 and shot 39% from three-point range, generating timely offense while limiting second-chance opportunities.

Senior Madison White delivered an all-around performance for the Lightning, leading the way with 14 points, including seven in the fourth quarter. White also added three steals, three assists, and five rebounds. Kaylee Whitney chipped in nine points on 3-of-7 shooting, along with three rebounds and two steals.

Senior Jayla Holiday controlled the paint with a team-high nine rebounds and two blocks while scoring seven points. Lilly Norman anchored a strong defensive effort, finishing with eight steals and six rebounds, five on the defensive end. Sophomore Taylor Morris provided energy and physicality throughout the night, contributing eight rebounds and two steals while helping Lapeer control the tempo and close out the victory.

Saginaw United, a young team with no seniors on its roster, was led by sophomore guard Maliyah Phillips, who scored 15 points and led all scorers.

The win moves Lapeer to 2–2 on the season and provides an early boost in what continues to be a highly competitive Saginaw Valley Conference.

The Lightning will next compete in the Kearsley Hornets Nest Christmas Tournament on December 29–30. Lapeer opens tournament play against host Kearsley at 2 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 29. The championship game is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Dec. 30, with the consolation game set for noon. Waterford and LakeVille are also participating in the tournament.

January 9, 2026

The Lapeer Lightning hosted the Grand Blanc Bobcats in Saginaw Valley Conference play Friday night, falling 58–31 to an energized Bobcat squad.

Grand Blanc jumped out to an early lead in the opening quarter, using pressure and quick scoring to go up 18–4. Lapeer responded with poise, closing the quarter on a 10-point run to cut the deficit to 18–14 and regain momentum heading into the second period.

The second quarter featured back-and-forth action, with both teams trading baskets. Grand Blanc scored 13 points in the frame, while Lapeer added seven, sending the Lightning into halftime trailing 31–21.

Coming out of the break, Grand Blanc increased its defensive pressure and capitalized on turnovers, extending its lead with a 19-point third quarter. Lapeer battled through the pressure and managed six points in the period but entered the fourth quarter down 50–27.

The fourth quarter was competitive, with Grand Blanc adding eight points while Lapeer scored four to close out the 58–31 final.

Lapeer shot 27 percent from the field for the game and went 8-for-25 from the free-throw line. Grand Blanc finished at 30 percent shooting and went 4-for-9 at the line.

Despite the loss, the Lightning received strong all-around contributions from several players. Ellery Muir delivered a well-rounded performance with five rebounds, four assists, three steals, and three points. Jayla Holiday led Lapeer on the glass with seven rebounds—two offensive and five defensive—while adding seven points. Allison Steffler contributed across multiple areas with three rebounds, three assists, three steals, and a block, while Lilly Norman led the team defensively with five steals.

Offensively, Kaylee Whitley and Maddie Franckowiak shared the team scoring lead with eight points each, with Franckowiak also pulling down four rebounds. Grand Blanc was led by senior Parc Liggins, who scored 35 points.

Lapeer showed resilience throughout the night, particularly with its response in the opening quarter, and will look to build on that momentum moving forward.

The Lightning (3–3) will travel to Caro (5-1) on Monday for non-conference play, with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

January 20, 2026

The Lapeer girls basketball team delivered a gritty road performance Tuesday night, edging the Clio Mustangs 39-37 in a non-conference road matchup.

The contest was tight from the opening tip. The Mustangs held Lapeer to just two points in the first quarter and carried a 5-2 advantage after one. Clio continued to control the tempo into the second quarter, taking a slim 13-12 lead into halftime.

Lapeer found its rhythm coming out of the break, turning in its best stretch of the night during the third quarter. The Lightning outscored the Mustangs 14-8 in the frame to move in front 26-21 heading into the fourth.

The final eight minutes turned into a back-and-forth battle. Clio tied the game at 28-28 with 5:10 remaining, igniting a stretch that featured 12 lead changes or ties over the next five minutes. Down the stretch, the pace intensified, with nine of the final 11 possessions resulting in points over the last 2:14 of play.

Clio was able to convert its free throw opportunities throughout the night, finishing 13-of-21 at the line. Lapeer countered by attacking the glass and creating second chances, while converting 14-of-41 from the free throw line.

Jayla Holiday led the Lightning with 15 points and added nine rebounds. Kaylee Whitney finished with seven points, while Alana Kosmac also scored seven points, all of which came in the fourth quarter. Kosmac led Lapeer on the boards with 11 rebounds, including five in the final period to help seal the win.

The closing moments were decisive. Lapeer trailed 37-36 with 30 seconds remaining before Ellery Muir knocked down a clutch corner shot and was fouled on the play. After the ensuing free throw, Kosmac secured a critical defensive rebound and was fouled, converting at the line to give the Lightning a 39-37 lead.

The Mustangs had one final opportunity, but Lapeer’s defense held firm to secure the road victory.

Lilly Norman made her presence felt across the floor, finishing with six rebounds, six assists, and nine steals. Five of her assists came during Lapeer’s pivotal third-quarter surge.

Lapeer now turns its attention back to conference play, traveling to Powers Catholic High School on Friday night. The game is scheduled for a 6 p.m. tip-off and will be broadcast on the Fire Network and NFHS Network. The matchup will also serve as Military Appreciation Day at Powers.

January 28, 2026

The Lapeer Lightning girls varsity basketball team delivered an exciting fourth-quarter comeback on Wednesday night, playing aggressive in a back-and-forth finish during a 51–47 non-conference road victory over the Kearsley Hornets.

Lapeer started fast, jumping out to a 16–8 advantage after the first quarter behind strong defense and quick transition offense. Kearsley responded in the second quarter, swinging momentum in their favor by outscoring Lapeer 22–3, taking a 30–19 lead into halftime.

Coming out of the break, Lapeer played clean aggressive ball. The Lightning outscored Kearsley 17–8 in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to just two points and entering the fourth trailing 38–36.

With 3:13 remaining, Lapeer trailed 45–39, but the Lightning were determined to continue their comeback. The team closed the gap quickly, capped by Madison White’s steal and layup, which tied the game at 45-45 with 1:31 remaining. Ellery Muir's three-pointer with 43 seconds left capped Lapeer’s 9-0 run and pushed the lead to 48-45. With 23 seconds on the clock, Kearsley converted a field goal to pull within one, 48-47. The ensuing possession Lilly Norman sank two clutch free throws with 16 seconds remaining, pushing the lead to 50–47. Ellery Muir secured the rebound on the next possession, was fouled, and made one of two free throws to seal the 51–47 victory.

Lapeer dominated the glass, out-rebounding Kearsley 56–37. Jayla Holiday led the way with 10 rebounds, followed by Alana Kosmak with nine and Taylor Morris with six. Defensively, the Lightning were disruptive all night, recording 20 team steals, led by Madison White’s six, Lilly Norman’s five, and Alana Kosmac’s four. In the decisive fourth quarter, Lapeer forced nine turnovers, including six steals.

Locking in on defense, Lapeer also tallied seven total blocks, led by two each from Jayla Holiday and Madison White.

Offensively, Madison White paced all scorers with 16 points, while Jayla Holiday contributed 14 points. Lilly Norman added eight points, and White and Norman shared the team lead with three assists apiece. 

The win improves the Lightning’s record to 5–6 on the season. Lapeer will next travel to Davison (9–4) for a Saginaw Valley Conference matchup on Friday. The JV game is scheduled for 4 p.m., followed by the varsity contest at 6 p.m.

January 30, 2026

The Lapeer Lightning took on the Davison Cardinals Friday night in Saginaw Valley Conference action on the road at Davison.

The opening quarter was tightly contested, with Lapeer scoring 11 points and Davison edging ahead with 12. The second quarter followed a similar script, as both teams battled evenly in a 9–9 period. Davison carried a slim 21–20 advantage into halftime.

Coming out of the break, the Cardinals gained momentum in the third quarter, outscoring the Lightning 16–2 to create separation on the scoreboard. Lapeer responded with renewed energy in the fourth quarter, but the teams once again matched up closely, with Davison holding a 10–8 edge in the final frame.

Davison earned the 47–30 conference victory.

The Cardinals shot 37 percent from the field for the game, while Lapeer finished at 24 percent. Despite the result, the Lightning controlled the glass, outrebounding Davison 40–24 and pulling down 18 offensive rebounds.

Madison White led Lapeer in scoring with 15 points. Jayla Holiday paced the Lightning on the boards with five rebounds, while White and Addison Laurie each recorded two steals.

Lapeer returns to action on Monday, February 2, hosting Oxford in non-conference play. The junior varsity game is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., with varsity to follow at approximately 7 p.m.

February 2, 2026

The Lapeer Lightning girls basketball team hosted the Oxford Wildcats in a non-conference matchup Monday night, falling 50–33.

Oxford got off to a quick start in the opening quarter, shooting 6-for-17 from the field while holding Lapeer to 1-for-9 shooting. The early efficiency allowed the Wildcats to build a 17–3 lead after one quarter of play.

Lapeer found more offensive rhythm in the second quarter and began to settle into the game, competing more evenly with Oxford on both ends of the floor. While the Wildcats edged the Lightning 12–10 in the period, Lapeer showed improved ball movement and energy, heading into halftime trailing 29–13.

Coming out of the break, Lapeer continued to compete in the third quarter, answering Oxford’s runs and putting together consistent possessions. Oxford scored 16 in the period, but Lapeer kept pace with 12 points of its own, keeping the game competitive heading into the fourth quarter.

Lapeer carried that momentum into the final frame, outscoring Oxford 8–5 in the fourth quarter. Despite the early deficit, the Lightning finished strong, but the Wildcats held on for the 50–33 victory.

Oxford held the rebounding edge in the contest, finishing with a 44–35 advantage on the glass. Lapeer found success from beyond the arc, knocking down four three-pointers on the night. Kaylee Whitney connected on three three-pointers in the third quarter, scoring nine points in the game. Oxford also capitalized on additional opportunities at the free-throw line going 10-19 compared to the Lightning’s 3-8.

Lapeer was led offensively by Jayla Holiday, who finished with a team-high 15 points while shooting 7-for-11 from the field. Holiday also led Lapeer with five rebounds and recorded a game high three blocks. Ellery Muir paced the team defensively with three steals.

Lapeer returns to Saginaw Valley Conference play Friday, traveling to Saginaw to play Saginaw United. The JV game is scheduled for a 5:30 p.m. start, with the varsity game to follow at approximately 7:00 p.m.