Ishpeming, MI – January 13, 2023 – The Ishpeming Hematite boys basketball team (5-4) started off Friday’s rivalry varsity double header at Ishpeming High School. Tyler Young and Bob Nedeau had the call as the Negaunee Miners (8-3) came to town on 98.3 WRUP and online.
Negaunee won the opening tip, but their first shot attempt was no good from Ty Jacobson. Ishpmeing wouldn’t do much better in their opening possession. The two defenses took over the opening minutes exchanging steals, but neither offense could cash in. It would be the Hematites who would score first with Ben Rubick finding his mark and drawing the foul. His free throw would be no good, but would get his own rebound and draw another foul. This time Rubick would hit both shots and give the Hematites a four point lead.
Gavin Downey of Negaunee would get his first field goal of the evening as he led the rally for six straight points and the lead. Ishpeming would take a one point lead when Griffin Argall was left alone for a three pointer. The Miners’ Gavin Saunders would land a pair of free throws to get the lead back. Ishpeming would battle back and build a lead with help from a Hunter Smith three, and a bucket from A.J. Prosser. Quarter would end with Ishpeming on top 12-8.
The two teams struggled to score as each were met with solid defense. The Miners were able to score first in the quarter and close the scoring gap to only one point. Both teams were plagued with turnovers, but a lot of it was due to good defense. Ishpeming finally got on the board in the quarter with Argall hitting a shot plus a foul, but the free throw was no good. Things would get tied up after the Miners were able to hit a pair of free throws. Alex Sundberg was sure to take the lead back immedietly for the Hematites. Negaunee would score again before the end of the half and hold the lead.
Halftime: Ishpeming 16 – Negaunee 20
Ishpeming would get the first possession of the half but they couldn’t hit the mark for the basket. Alex Sundberg would still give the Hematites the first points of the half. Some chaos ensued as the third quarter continued on with some breaks not going Ishpeming’s way. Negaunee would use it to their advantage to build their lead. Griffin Argall would give a momentum boost for Ishpeming after getting a basket and drawing a charge on the other end. Ishpeming would tie things up after a series of great plays ending with Ryan Maki hitting a huge three. Alex Sundberg would give Ishpeming the lead back at the buzzer, 31-29.
The final eight minutes would start with Neguanee getting themselves in the bonus. After splitting the free throws the Miners still trailed. Ishpeming would add on to their lead with another Griffin Argall three pointer, but Gavin Saunders would match with a three for Negaunee. The Miners would get back on top with Mason Sager hitting from range. Ishpeming would tie things back up almost immediately at 36. Things would heat up in the final minute in this rivalry match up. Negaunee would hold a two point lead and have possession coming out of a timeout. Ishpeming would attempt to battle back but wouldn’t be able to bridge the gap before time expired.
FINAL: Ishpeming 39 – Negaunee 43
The Ishpeming boys basketball team is back on the court next Thursday in Gwinn to face the Modeltowners. The game will be broadcast live on 98.3 WRUP and online on our website. Tyler Young and Bob Nedeau will be live with the call starting with the Elder Agency Pregame Show starting around 6:50 and the tip off at 7:15!
