Al DeMott, the veteran coach of the Lady Redskins, opens a gift from his players following his 500th career victory last Friday night. Looking on are his daughter, Marissa, and and his longtime assistant coach, Ray Lee. (Photo by Dale Ball)

The veteran coach of the Lady Redskins hoops program at Sandusky saw his 29th varsity team record his 500th career victory Friday night.

The Lady Redskins had little trouble disposing of Yale in a 63-29 thumping in non-league play. Fittingly, the rare achievement came in front of an appreciative home crowd.

With his two victories to start the season last week, DeMott has a career record of 500-147, all at Sandusky. He is now sixth in Michigan for all-time coaching victories in girls hoops. It's an achievement through endurance, ability, and cooperation.

"I'm having a lot of fun still," said DeMott. "I've had a lot of great kids over a lot of years. They've been very committed, and there has been a lot of parental support - it's the practices, the games, taking the kids to AAU and camps."

DeMott added that the success he has had with the Sandusky program goes beyond the players and the parents. "The whole community support is just tremendous."

In his first 28 seasons, DeMott's first campaign with a winning record was not until 1983, his fifth season as head coach. One year later, his Lady ÔSkins collected the first of the program's 14 league championships. There also have been 17 District titles, seven Regional crowns and one berth in the State Finals.

"This went by fast," DeMott reflected. "It seems like yesterday when we started. The years are flying by."

The talent and winning keeps coming, too. He pointed out the work of the other coaches in the program. For instance, Jennifer (Green) Taege, a former Lady Redskin, has coached at the middle school level in recent years. "They just finished their third straight undefeated season in eighth grade," DeMott said.

"There's been a lot of kids and lot of parents and good coaches involved in the program over the years," he continued "And my wife, my family, too, has given an awful lot of support. That's been important"

In win No. 500, DeMott's daughter, Marissa, was instrumental in getting the offense going early. The sophomore guard was 4-for-4 from three-point land in the first half as Sandusky staked a 36-12 lead over the Bulldogs. She finished with a game-high 24 points, 18 coming in the first half , and also contributed eight steals

"She kind of caught fire there, and the other kids did a good job finding her in open areas," said DeMott.

Senior post Cassy VanConant added 10 points while Lauren Armstrong and Jenna Stauffer both tossed in six. Monica Chambers added five points and four assists.

A big test awaits Sandusky this Thursday night in a GTC crossover game at Lakers (2-0), a favorite in the GTC West.

"That's going to be a tough game, especially at their place," DeMott said. "They're quick and they're just a good, solid all-around team. We have to play good for 32 minutes. It'll be a good test. It'll be good for us."

Sandusky 44 Bad Axe 24

In Tuesday's season opener on the road, the Lady Redskins defense was steady, holding the Hatchets to single digits in all four quarters. Sandusky led 26-14 at halftime and 40-16 after three quarters.

Marissa DeMott sank four triples in that contest and finished with 18 points, plus eight rebounds, four assists and six steals. Junior Maddie Hale had 10 points and eight boards and VanConant notched seven points and seven rebounds.