Faith Carson carries No. 7 Buchanan girls past No. 9 Brandywine Thursday night

NILES — You got to have Faith.

At least that's the case for the Buchanan High School girls basketball team.

The Bucks rode a big-time performance by star Faith Carson past rival Brandywine 52-41 Thursday night.

Carson, an Ohio State recruit, poured in 18 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, blocked five shots and nabbed two steals as the Division 3 No. 4 Bucks claimed the Lakeland Conference win at Brandywine.

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Buchanan, winners of 14 in a row since a season opening loss to Vicksburg, moved to 7-0 and claimed the conference championship with the victory.

Brandywine, which beat Buchanan 53-47 last year, falls to 11-2 overall and 4-2 in league play.

Carson, a 6-4 senior who is rated the top player in Michigan by the Detroit Free Press, is averaging 18.7 ppg. this season. She missed most of last season due to a foot injury, but returned to help lead her team to the regional finals in 2022.

The Bucks took control from the start Thursday night. Buchanan raced to a 21-6 lead to open the contest and led 28-13 at halftime. Their lead reached as many as 22 points in the second half.

Kadence Brumitt led Brandywine, rated honorable mention, with 17 points. Bobcats star Ellie Knapp finished with two points.

Buchanan hosts Lakeshore Monday night. Brandywine plays at Schoolcraft Tuesday night.

BUCHANAN 52, BRANDYWINE 41

At Niles

BUCHANAN (52): Maddie Young 4, Jillian McKean 6, LaBria Austin 4, Hannah Herman 5, Katie Ailes 0, Alyssa Carson 9, Hannah Tompkins 6, Faith Carson 18. Totals 21 8-13 52.

BRANDYWINE (41): Adeline Gill 6, Ellie Knapp 2, Adelyn Drotoz 9, Ireland Prenkert 2, Miley Young 5, Kadence Brumitt 17, Cortney Bates 0. Totals 14 7-10 41.

3-point baskets: Buchanan 2 (Herman 1, Tompkins 1), Brandywine 6 (Drotoz 3, Brumitt 2, Young 1). Total fouls: Buchanan 12, Brandywine 11. Records: Buchanan 14-1 (7-0 Lakeland Conference), Brandywine 11-2 (4-2 Lakeland Conference).

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Michigan high school girls basketball: Buchanan beats Niles Brandywine