Marshall seniors (clockwise from bottom) Nikki Tucker, Taryn Long, Jill Konkle, Georgianna Pratley, Carlee Long.(Photo: Al Lassen/Enquirer file)

MARSHALL - There are two types of chemistry - the kind that comes naturally and the kind that is developed over time.

The Marshall girls basketball team has both types of chemistry in spades.

The defending Class B state champion Redhawks (22-2)will play Grand Rapids Catholic Central (24-1) on Tuesday in a state quarterfinal at Otsego High School.

It's a big game with a trip to East Lansing's Breslin Center on the line.But Marshall's core group of five seniors - Nikki Tucker, Jill Konkle, Carlee Long, Taryn Long and Georgianna Pratley - have played in their share of big games. They've also played in a few little ones, as the quintet began embarking on this journey when they attended Marshall's youth basketball camp as second graders.

"We kind of looked at those kids and said, 'You know what, we can do something here,'" said Marshall head coach Sal Konkle."Some of them went on and played AAU, but we always tried to keep the core group together. Some of them dropped out or got hurt... There's a bunch of kids that used to play, but the five of them stuck with it and I'm glad they did."

In this undated photo are five members of the Marshall varsity girls basketball team. Seniors Carlee and Taryn Long, Jill Konkle, Nikki Tucker and Georgianna Pratley have been playing together since third grade.(Photo: Courtesy of Sal Konkle)

Part of the secret of Marshall's success is the five Redhawk seniors knowing their roles and not caring who leads the team in the stat column each night.

Senior forwardNikki Tucker is the closest thing Marshall has to a star. An All-State pick as a junior, she is committed to play at Division II Embry-Riddle University and leads the team in scoring at close to 14 points per game.

"Nikki is by far the most consistent for us," Sal Konkle said."When she was little, she wasn't one of the starters. When it was seventh or eighth grade she became a starter because she got serious about it."

Senior guard Jill Konkle is the coach by proxy on the floor. Also an All-State pick as a junior, she tends to draw a lot of attention from opponents. That was the case in the regional final, when she scored two points in a 22-point victory over Otsego.

Marshall beats Otsego, repeats as Regional champions

"As long as she does all the other things we need, becausewe need other people to step up and score," Sal Konklesaid of her daughter. "Jill understands that she doesn't need to score for me to tell her she had a good game."

It goes without saying that identical twin sisters Carlee and Taryn Long have a specialintuition when playing together. The two senior guards take pride in pestering opposing backcourts while also chipping inon the offensive end.

"I feel like we just know where each other is. We don't even have to talk about things," Carlee Long said."If we have to switch on a screen, we just automatically do it. It's easier for us."

Added Taryn Long, "We've honestly wanted to win state since third grade... It's always been our goal...We just like winning together."

Redhawks get past Otsego, 47-25, to win Class B regional crown. Wochit

Senior center Georgianna Pratley has been a big weaponfor Marshall. The 6-footer brings a constant energy off the bench and has helped the Redhawks not skip a beat when one of their starters is in foul trouble or needs a spell.

"Georgie is another kid that plays hard all the time," Sal Konkle said."She understands her role and she comes in and does her job."

Some teams have relied on star power to carry them in the state tournament, but Marshall knows it's success has been driven by the fact the team has been greater than the sum of its parts.

"It's not because they are so talented basketball-wise. It's just that they understand the game so much and share the ball so well," Sal Konkle said. "It's by committee.That's the way they've played since they were little and that's the way we like it."

Nick Buckley can be reached at nbuckley@battlecreekenquirer.com or 269-966-0652. Follow him on Twitter:@NickJBuckley

MHSAA GIRLS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

CLASS B QUARTERFINALS

At Otsego High School

TUESDAY: Marshall (22-2) vs. Grand Rapids Catholic (24-1), 7 p.m.

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Experience, chemistry has led Marshall to another run - Battle Creek Enquirer