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NILES — The Niles girls basketball team kicked off the 2024-25 season in winning fashion Wednesday night.

The Vikings defeated visiting Dowagiac 56-25 in a game originally scheduled for Monday but was rescheduled due to inclement weather. Niles led 27-7 at halftime. Niles’ Jenna Thornton led all scorers with 16 points – including 11 in the first half – and Ari Gerritts added 11 points. Marlie Carpenter led Dowagiac with seven points.

NILES 56, DOWAGIAC 25

At Niles

DOWAGIAC (25): Shamrya Clark 3, Marlie Carpenter 7, Zabrina Shivers 4, Evie Lock 6, Olivia McIntosh 0, Bree Campbell 3, Jamela Bonds 2. Totals 9 4-12 25.

NILES (56): Jessie Thornton 16, Tanaya Brown 8, Maddie Zache 6, Kayla Kiggins 8, Claire DevlescHoward 2, Mia Holmes 5, Ari Gerrits 11. Totals 20 12-22 56.

Dowagiac 2 7 14 25

Niles 13 27 45 56

3-point baskets: Dowagiac 3 (Lock 2, Campbell 1, )Niles 4 (Thornton 1, Zache 1, Kiggins 1, Holmes 1). Total fouls: Dowagiac 21, Niles 17. Records: Dowagiac 0-1, Niles 1-0

Highlights: Thornton scored 11 of her game-high 16 in the first half.