Milan led the Lincoln girls basketball team for the entire game at Milan High School< on Thursday night, not once surrendering the lead. At one point in the second half, the Big Reds led by as much as 15 points.

But with 30 seconds left, Lincoln had made it a one possession ball game. Trailing 56-53, Lincoln tipped the ball going for a steal on an inbound, but was unable to gain possession and had to foul. Though Milan missed the ensuing shots, Lincoln never got a chance for a game-tying shot.

More Coverage at MLive.com: Boxscore

“We’re a pretty athletic team, so I was pretty confident we could do something off the inbound,” said Lincoln coach Mike Hotchkiss of the final sequence.

“They have a good young team and I didn't know what to expect out of my team,” said Milan coach Jeff Scott. “Even though we have four seniors, they are still inexperienced after not getting much time behind our seniors last season.”

What Scott got initially was an early lead as Hotchkiss said his young players - many of whom were playing in their first varsity game - seemed nervous.

The nerves of the Lincoln players eventually settled as Milan had just a 15-13 lead after the first quarter. The Big Reds, however, nearly doubled up Lincoln in the second quarter and took a 28-20 lead into half.

Led by Sarah Ramsey, who had a game-high 20 points, nine of which came on three-points, Milan stretched its lead early in the third quarter, but Lincoln hung tough with double-digit contributions from Rikki Scherdt (13), Sarah Roeh (11) and Arielle Cargor (11).

“I think they were really motivated by the balance of scoring,” Hotchkiss said, “and they impressed themselves defensively. We played full court pressure and were able to force some turnovers that kept us in the game.”

Milan also had three scorers in double digits as Alicia Wollam-Pace scored 12 and Kaitlin Mitchell 10.

“We're still working hard,” said Scott, who rotated seven players as he tries to get the rest of his bench ready. "Just gotta build up those skill sets. I truly believe in giving any player who is buried on your bench, giving them a role."

MORE GIRLS BASKETBALL Highland Park 35, Willow Run 23: Keya Lawson leads Flyers with nine points in losing effort. (Rest of the Story | Boxscore)

WRESTLING Pioneer quad: The Pioneers defeat South Lyon East, but fall to Farminton Hills Harrison in home quad meet. (Rest of the Story)

Tonight's high school roundup was compiled by Ryan Larimore and Pete Cunningham.