ARENAC EASTERN - Jan. 28, 2010 - Arenac Eastern cleared another big hurdle in its quest for its first-ever North Star League girls basketball title, defeating Hillman on Thursday 62-32.

Entering the week, AE opponents Hillman and Fairview were tied for second place in the league. By sweeping those two, the Eagles now hold a three-game lead atop the conference with four games to play.

"It was a good win," said AE coach Butch Beckham. "We played much better than we did Monday (against Fairview). We played hard, but we were loose, and defensively we played very well again."

The Eagles took control early, taking a 13-2 lead after one quarter and expanding it to 28-12 at the half. Hillman closed to within 10 points in the third quarter before AE pulled away.

"We only shot 30 percent, but we rebounded very well," Beckham said. "Briana Dery played probably her best game of the year, and Danielle Jurek did a good job of handling their defensive pressure."

Briana Dery finished with 11 pints, 12 rebounds, five assists and four steals, while Chelsea Dery had 14 points and 12 rebounds. Ashley Navarre was the Eagles' leading scorer with 19 points.

AE (14-0, 10-0 NSL) has a week off before traveling to Posen next Thursday with a chance to clinch at least a tie for the league title.

Hillman (8-5, 7-3) was led by Maci Schook with 15 points.