The return to form of Sarah Ostroski provided a boost for Standish-Sterling in their win over the Falcons.
Ogemaw's Ashley Thompson dribbles past Standish-Sterling's Alyssa White.
Brent Baker
Kayleigh Nelson defends Ogemaw Heights' Renee Wangler during Tuesday's SSC victory.

STANDISH-STERLING - Oct. 24, 2006 - Whether or not Tuesday's 56-32 victory over Ogemaw Heights signifies the end of Standish-Sterling's mid-season slump remains to be seen, but for SSC coach Kevin King, there were several hopeful signs.

First, there was the play of Sarah Ostroski, who saw her first significant playing time in returning from a knee injury.

Second was the free throw shooting which had been abysmal but on Tuesday was stellar.

Third, the smiles and a bit of swagger were back - both of which had been missing as SSC lost three of its last six games.

"We accomplished all of our objectives tonight," King said. "But it was especially good to see Sarah out there. We wanted to get her 10 minutes, and I think she played nine. She was able to do the things we know she's capable of doing. I'm glad for her, because she's such a great person, and if she can finish out the season it would be a beautiful thing."

SSC also hit 17-of-21 free throws (80.9 percent), a far cry from the 32.6 percent (in)efficiency of the previous four games.

"That was fabulous," King said. "If we have hit like that in those other games, the losses probably would have been wins."

That said, Ogemaw provided a stiff challenge through the first quarter and a half. The Falcons kept the pace slower than the Panthers would have liked and midway through the second period trailed just 15-13.

SSC closed the half out with a flurry, getting a pair of fast break baskets from Alyssa White, four more points from Brooke Robinson, an inside post-up-and-basket from Ostroski and a Megan Robinson basket that suddenly made it 27-14 at the half.

"Basically, we're not in shape," said Ogemaw coach Tim Hansen. "We did some nice things early, were patient, made good decisions and looked to the post.

"But then we got tired and stood around and looked at the ball."

"Ogemaw came at us hard and didn't give us anything," King said. "But we play better when we can make it fast. If it stays slow, we know we're going to struggle."

SSC continued its run into the third quarter, with an Ashlyn Gulvas 3-pointer and a hoop by White capping a 21-1 run that spanned the two quarters.

Kayleigh Nelson played a consistent four quarters, leading all scorers with 13 points.

"That was her best game," King said. "She was taking it strong to the basket, which is what we need from her."

White and Brooke Robinson each added 10 for SSC (11-4, 6-2 NEMC), with Ostroski scoring eight in her limited duty.

Kelly Rosebrugh led Ogemaw (8-8, 4-4) with 11 points and Jordan Foster had six.