By By SCOTT NOVAK / Vigilant/Argus
Brittany Winters scored a career-high 17 points to lead the Dowagiac varsity basketball team to a 44-35 non-conference victory over host Edwardsburg Thursday night.
The victory was the second of the season for the Chieftains, surpassing last year's win total.
Edwardsburg grabbed an early 9-6 lead on the Chieftains, however, Dowagiac exploded for 16 points in the second quarter while holding the Lady Eddies to just three points to build a 22-12 advantage at the intermission.
Dowagiac (2-9) was outscored 23-22 in the second half by Edwardsburg, but was able to hold off the Lady Eddies in the fourth quarter with free throw shooting.
The Chieftains were 8-of-10 from the charity stripe in the final quarter.
Brittney Reist added 11 points to the Dowagiac totals, while Brianne Reist finished with eight points.
Edwardsburg (2-12) was led by Jessica Shotwell's nine points.
DOWAGIAC 44
Ashley Brewer 1 3-4 5; Brittany Winters 7 2-2 17; Brianne Reist 1 6-8 8; Jennifer Pilot 1 0-0 2; Holly Lowe 0 1-2 1; Valerie Johnson 0 0-0 0; Brittney Reist 5 1-2 11. Totals: 15 13-18 44
EDWARDSBURG 35
Jessica Shotwell 4 1-7 9; Jessica Neagu 0 0-0 0; Joanna Martino 3 0-2 6; Meghan Sweeney 2 0-1 4; Shelly Roberts 0 0-0 0; Susanna Martino 0 1-2 1; Shana Stoops 1 0-0 2; Kerri Wood 1 1-2 3; Sarah Lange 2 0-0 6; Julle Harness 1 2-2 4. Totals: 14 3-14 35
Dowagiac 6 16 10 12 -- 44
Edwardsburg 9 3 9 14 -- 35
Three-point baskets: Dowagiac 1 (Winters), Edwardsburg 2 (Lange). Total fouls: Dowagiac 17, Edwardsburg 17. Fouled out: None.