Ishpeming, MI – February 23rd, 2022 – The Hematites girls basketball team continued the final week of the regular season with a match-up against the Manistique Emeralds. The game was broadcasted on 98.3 WRUP.
1Q: The Hematites won the tip to begin the game as Hannah Deloughary wasted no time on the possession, burying triple to get things going. The Emeralds, who sat their seniors for possible injuries, turned the basketball over to hand Ishpeming another two points. The Hematites pressed to begin the game and it caused some troubles for the Emeralds, after another forced turnover, Deloughary hit another triple to give the Hematites an 8-0 lead. After being scoreless for the first 4:30 of the game, the Emeralds went on to score seven straight points to cut the deficit to one. The Hematites would go on to take the lead back, but the Emeralds quickly score to now lead for the first time in the ball game. After a back and forth affair in the final 1:45 of the opening quarter, the game was tied 15-15.
2Q: The Hematites began the second quarter with the basketball, but could not capitalize offensively. The Emeralds could also not score on their first offensive possession, when finally it was the Hematites scoring in the quarter. Similar to the final minutes of the first quarter, both teams began to trade buckets. Jenna Maki and Abby Koski were the bucket leaders in the second, as the Emeralds were led by Reque-Goudreau. With just under 2:00 to play in the half, the Hematites led 29-26. Ishpeming had several scoring chances in the final minutes, but could not extend the lead. Both teams were scoreless heading into the locker room, so it was the Hematites still holding on to the 29-26 lead.
3Q: The Hematites once again began the quarter with the basketball as they were able to tally on another point, leading 30-26. The Emeralds first offensive possession saw some free throws as well, but the Emeralds were able to knock down both to cut the deficit to two. The Hematites turned the ball over on their next possession that set up the game tying bucket for the Emeralds. Ishpeming went on to score six straight points thanks to Lilly Swanson, burying a deep triple as well as three free throws. The Hematites found success when they didn’t turn the ball over, as they tallied sixteen in the first half. With just under 3:00 to play in the third, the Hematites led 38-32. After another last minute fight from both teams, the Hematites held onto a 40-36 lead heading into the final quarter of regulation.
4Q: Manistique began the quarter with the basketball, as they were able to find the bottom of the net to cut the deficit to two. The deficit would fall back to four after Addie Morton scored on Ishpeming’s first offensive possession. The Hematites would go on to score four more quick points, thanks to the strong duo of Jenna Maki and Abby Koski. 46-38 was the score after just 1:30 of play to begin the fourth quarter. Despite only seven players tonight, the Emeralds continued to fight as they scored seven unanswered to cut the deficit to one with just 2:00 remaining. The Hematites were in the bonus which meant free throws would play a crucial role in the final minutes. A huge bucket would fall for the Hematites and Addie Morton with just 1:27 remaining, leading 48-45. Addie Morton came up clutch once again as she nailed a jumper to put the game away. The Ishpeming Hematites would go on to beat the Emeralds 50-45.
Final: Ishpeming 50 Manistique 45
The Hematites will finish up the regular season on Friday, with yet another game against the Emeralds. The ball will tip at 7:15 pm as you can hear the broadcast on 98.3 WRUP.
