Negaunee, Michigan – Fans who pay admission to see cross-town rivals Ishpeming and Negaunee do battle on the basketball court can expect to get their monies worth. They certainly did Monday night when the Ishpeming Hematites girls basketball team fell just short to Negaunee, 49-47.
The game got out to a slow start offensively. Both teams came out playing with fire on the defensive end. The Hematites got out to an early 4-0 lead with baskets from Hannah Smith and Khora Swanson. Negaunee answered when Madysen Konito scored two straight baskets herself to tie things up at 4. After the two teams traded baskets and the game tied at 6, Negaunee seized control of the quarter. They went on a 6-0 run and took a 12-8 lead into the second quarter.
The second quarter was full of ups and downs for the Hematites. Negaunee scored a quick basket to put the Miners up 6, but Marisaa Maino responded for Ishpeming. Maino hit 2 free throws and converted a 3-point play to cut the deficit to just 1. Ishpeming took the lead on a 7-0 run by Chloe Sjoholm, 20-17. Negaunee answered with a 7-0 run of their own to close out the quarter, and lead 24-20 at the half.
The Hematites came out of the locker room fired up and ready to play defense. It was an incredible defensive effort for 8 minutes, allowing the Miners to only register 3 points. Their first and only basket coming with under 4 minutes to play in the quarter. The Hematites capitalized on their great defense and outscored the Miners 10-3 to take a 3 point lead into the final frame.
The 4th quarter was an emotional roller coaster for players, coaches, and fans. Negaunee began the quarter by scoring more points in their first 2 possessions than they did in the entire 3rd quarter (4). Ishpeming answered with a 3 from Marissa Maino, who was then answered by an Aleda Johnson 3 pointer of her own. Ishpeming took a 5-point lead after Marissa Maino and Madigan Johns each converted 3-point plays. Maino and Johnson again exchanged 3-point baskets and the Hematites lead 42-37 halfway through the 4th quarter.
Negaunee stormed back and took the lead after an 8-0 run, lead by 3-pointers from Chloe Norman and Aleda Johnson. Mariah Austin hit a big jumped to get the Hematites back to within 1. The Hematites had to send the Miners to the free throw line to extend the game, but the Miners capitalized down the stretch. The Hematites came up just short, 49-47.
The Hematites look to get abck tot heir winning ways when they take on the Westwood Patriots, Friday, January 27th. Catch all the action on 98.3 WRUP and WRUP.com.
LISTEN – FULL GAME – Ishpeming Hematites defeated by Negaunee Miners 49-47