New Baltimore Anchor Bay’s girls basketball team achieved a convincing victory against Macomb L’Anse Creuse North on January 27, 2026, with a score of 58-32. This win marks the Tars’ second consecutive victory in the Macomb Area Conference White Division, improving their overall record to 9-1.
The team, under the guidance of Coach Jen Thiede, has emphasized a strong defensive strategy this season. Senior Julia Tkaczyk highlighted the team’s objective: “Shut ‘em down. Shut everything down as much as we can.” The Tars have successfully limited their opponents to an average of just 37.6 points per game while scoring at a robust pace of 55.7 points.
Team Performance and Strategy
Tkaczyk noted that the coaching staff has implemented extra drills designed to enhance their speed and reaction time. “Less watching, more doing is what we’re trying to install. Be aggressive, as aggressive as we can. Push the ball. We want to run these teams as much as possible,” she stated.
Anchor Bay’s performance this season has showcased the potential of its core player group, which has been developing since they were sophomores. After finishing third in the MAC White with a 6-4 record last season, they rebounded to an impressive 10-0 in the division and a 17-5 overall record last year.
Despite their success, Coach Thiede acknowledged the need for continual improvement. “Today was the most balanced effort we’ve had scoring-wise. It’s great to see a lot of kids step up and play their roles,” she said. Thiede emphasized the importance of team chemistry and confidence, stating, “This team is about confidence and playing together. We took a step forward today in terms of our mentality.”
Game Highlights and Key Players
The match began with L’Anse Creuse North taking an early 8-2 lead. Senior center Liza Tertzakian contributed significantly with key baskets, while Sophia Wiacek and Grace Peraino added three-pointers. Thiede called for a timeout to regroup her players, leading to a pivotal shift in momentum.
Anchor Bay responded with a remarkable 27-2 run, displaying their defensive prowess that quickly turned into offensive opportunities. “Our defense turned into offense for us,” Thiede remarked. The Tars maintained control, holding the Crusaders to just two free throws until the final moments of the first half.
In terms of individual contributions, Ava Seletsky led the Tars with 14 points, followed closely by Karissa Lewis, who scored 13 points. Other notable performances included Autumn McDonald with nine points and Gabby Thiede with eight points. For L’Anse Creuse North, freshman point guard Lily Cowper was the standout player, finishing with 13 points.
Despite facing challenges from injuries throughout the season, Tkaczyk returned to the lineup and made an impact off the bench with 11 points. She expressed gratitude towards her teammates for their support during her recovery, stating, “They’ve been helping me out, keeping me up, keeping my head in it.”
Looking ahead, Coach Thiede is optimistic about the remainder of the season. “A lot of factors have to come into play. We have to control the controllables. We have to play hard every play, play hard every practice,” she said. With their current trajectory, Anchor Bay appears poised for a successful season in the Macomb Area Conference.
