MACIK, WHEELER POWER ATHENS TO 52-33 WIN OVER CANTON

By: Tim Birney  /  December 17, 2021  /  Photo: David Alliger

ATHENS — Athens fell behind early, but dominated through the middle two quarters on its way to a 52-33 win over Canton here Friday night NTL girls basketball action.

Carolyn Thoren scored six points, and the Lady Warriors held Athens without a field goal in the game's first eight minutes en route to a 10-2 lead, but senior Caydence Macik took over for the Lady Wildcats in the second quarter.

Macik poured in 14 points to fuel a 17-3 blitz that put them ahead 19-13 at the half.

Freshman Addy Wheeler scored seven points in the third quarter, and Macik added six in a 15-2 third-quarter run that gave Athens a 34-15 lead heading into the final eight minutes.

Canton more than doubled its output in the game, scoring 18 points in the fourth quarter, but the Lady Wildcats matched their total salt away the win. Wheeler, with eight points, and Macik combined for 14 points in the closing stanza.

Macik led Athens with 26 points, eight rebounds, three steals, and two blocked shots, and Wheeler had 18 points, three rebounds, four steals, and one blocked shot.

Junior Karlee Bartlow had four points, seven rebounds, six assists, and four steals for the Lady Wildcats in the win, while junior Emma Bronson had four points and three rebounds, and senior Olivia Bartlow had four boards and two blocked shots.

Thoren, Aislyn Williams, and Emmi Tymeson scored eight points apiece to pace Canton.

Athens, now 2-0, travels to NEB Monday night.