Gladstone, MI – Tuesday December 5th, 2017- The Ishpeming Hematites Boy’s Basketball team faced against the Gladstone Braves narrowly losing to the Gladstone braves 77-67 on 98.3 WRUP. This marks the first loss for the Hematites boy’s team on the start of their season for 0-1.
Expectations were high as the Hematites boys team took the court, however failed to generate momentum from tip-off and quickly fell behind Gladstone 14-0 in the first half of the first. The boys fired back through the second half of the first quarter closing the point gap and finishing the first with 25-12 in favor of Gladstone.
The Hematites took the court in the second quarter running a tough offensive game against Gladstone. The boys closed the gap with some big buckets by Hart Holmgren. The Hematites defense stepped up for a good portion of the frame, but Gladstone quickly adjusted. Ishpeming was able to cut Gladstone’s lead to single digits, however Gladstone scored some last minute buckets pulling ahead at the half 35-34.
Ishpeming went into the third fighting, but were unable to pull ahead of Gladstone. The boys put up a bunch of solid shots bringing home the points, however the Braves were on top of every one of the Hematites. The third frame ended on an 8-0 run for the Gladstone braves to blow the game open.
The final frame had the Hematites battling the Braves despite such a staggering lead from the end of the third, closing in on Gladstone overcoming a 14 point lead from tip-off with amazing spirit and skill ultimately coming just short of Gladstone for the win by 10 points to end the game 77-67 Gladstone.
The Hematites Coach stated to WRUP he feels the Gladstone Braves are widely considered to be the best Basketball team in the Upper Peninsula. He went on to say he was proud of the boys overcoming the first game jitters and battling through to close the point gap.
The Hematites girls team will meet the Gladstone Braves Thursday, December 7th at 7:15 PM. Coverage will begin at around 6:45 PM. It can be heard on 98.3 WRUP.
LISTEN LIVE – ISHPEMING HEMETITES BOYS BASKETBALL DEFEATED BY GLADSTONE BRAVES 77-67.mp3