BYRON -- The New Lothrop Hornets are the defending Class-D state champions in girls basketball, and this year's squad has every intention of keeping that title for the forseeable future.

Behind a 27-point effort from senior Monica Confer, the Hornets cruised to a road victory at Byron by a 58-22 final.  The Eagles were undone by multiple turnovers, and could not keep up with the Hornets' relentless ball movement at the other end of the floor.  Despite having just seven players on their squad, the Hornets looked poised for another deep run into the post-season.

Elsewhere, Lake Fenton slipped past Bentley in a GAC crossover battle, as the Blue Devils earned a 49-45 overtime victory.  The Devils let a four-point lead slip away in the final minute of regulation, as the Bulldogs sank four consecutive free throws to force overtime.  But from there, Lake Fenton sophomore Paige Stafford took over, scoring six of her team-high 15 points in overtime to help her team to the four-point triumph.

"You know, we pulled together as a team," said Stafford.  "We got our passes own and our shots down. We calmed down and we finally just came together as a team, and played well today."

"We went to OT at home, and we were still able to pull one out," added Lake Fenton head coach Wayne Hope.  "So, I thought the girls finished well. I thought they finished well in terms of, you know, getting to the bucket. And we had the double-bonus going both ways, and we were fortunate that we hit a few free throws down the stretch. So, that was a big moment for us."