Ishpeming, MI – February 28h, 2022 – The Ishpeming Hematites girls basketball team faced off against the Gwinn Modeltowners Monday night. The game was broadcast live on 98.3 WRUP!
1st Quarter – The Hematites opened their post season game against the Gwinn Modeltowners with the tip off going to Jenna Maki, an Ishpeming sophomore, who took it down the court and scored. It was 2-0 for the Hematites with just 30 seconds off the clock. The ball was with the Modeltowners who were looking to get past the pressure of the Hematites as they were following their successful season. The Gwinn team started off with a strong defense but it trickled fast in front of the Hematites offensive drive, 6-2 for Ishpeming. After Bailey Zellar, #5, had a great steal; she gained some points following the amazing Hematites defense, 8-5. Lilly Swanson with the Hematites, #12, continued to claim the lead, at 14-7 with under 2 minutes to go in the first quarter. With only seconds left on the clock the Hematites went into the 2nd quarter dominating the Modeltowners at 16-7.
2nd Quarter – Entering the second quarter, the Modeltowners quickly got back on their feet but fouled within the first couple seconds of the 2nd quarter. Under 6 minutes were left in the 2nd quarter as the Hematites took the ball across the court for their offensive drive. The Hematite Jenna Maki was unsuccessful at the three point attempt and the score was still at 16-7. Modeltowners own Jordana Hardy, #13, took the ball and began building her team’s momentum, at 18-11 still with Ishpeming. The teams were both pushing down the court with under one minute to go in the 2nd when the Modeltowners #12, Jada LaCount, was fouled. Hannah Deloughary was with the ball and carried a level of momentum that would bring them to 27-11. The Modeltowners kept struggling to gain some points with just 2 minutes left and entered halftime still behind the Hematities at 32-17.
3rd Quarter – With the basketball game back underway, Gwinn was desperately looking for more of an offensive edge to get back on top of the Hematites who were leading at 35-17. The Hematites continued to dominate over Gwinn as they didn’t give the Modeltowners any room to move forward. Far in the lead were the Hematites, at 34-19 still looking strong as Addie Morton put up another 3 pointer. Ishpeming’s offensive drives in this game were performing at 100% during their many possessions. With 4 minutes left in the 3rd, the Hematites kept up on their defensive line and just tried to keep possession to run the clock. The Modeltowners were pushing to gain some momentum as they just continued to fall to the Hematites. Bailey Zellar scored another 2 pointer off the glass, getting two free throws as well. The two teams were down to the wire with under 2 minutes left in the quarter as they entered the 4th on Monday night at 45-22 still with the Hematites.
4th Quarter – In the last quarter on Monday, the Hematites really kept up their determination as they led at 48-22. With their defense controlling the Modeltowners and maintaining their lead, they kept pushing their 3 point shooters out there with even more heat. The Ishpeming team started another possession of the quarter with a great drive continuing to grow their lead at 51-29. Addie Morton was at the top of the key and kept passing down the court, with the Hematites ball handling looking smooth. The Hematites have always struggled with their free throw percentage however they came back in Monday’s game and so did the Modeltowners. The Gwinn team were still far behind at just 30 points to their 51. The Ishpeming Hematites continued to steal possession after possession and gave the Gwinn team absolutely no room to catch up. The Hematites walked away with a victory against the Gwinn Modeltowners at 66-35.
ENDING SCORE: 66-35 W
LISTEN TO THE FULL BROADCAST ON 98.3 WRUP!
