Westwood, MI – December 7th, 2018 – It was the first rivalry game of the year for the Ishpeming Hematite boys basketball team against the tough Westwood Patriots. In their final meeting last season, the Hematites lost in heart-breaking fashion after the Patriots scored in the final seconds to barely take the lead and the win. However, Ishpeming was ready this year, and they weren’t going to let it happen again.
Taking the opening tip, the Patriots quickly had the ball stolen by the Ishpeming Hematites who were then called for the first foul of the game. A free throw gave Westwood the first points of the game. There was no shortage of whistles, with both teams freely willing to use fouls to deny their opponent any kind of advantage. Despite some hard work from the Patriots, the Hematites were forced to use a timeout when Westwood broke out to an early 4-0 lead. Ishpeming fought back when they scored their first points of the game several minutes into the first, however the Patriots still led by six points. By the end of the first quarter, Ishpeming had narrowed their deficit to just three points after some late-quarter scoring from both teams.
First Quarter Score
Ishpeming Hematites: 7
Westwood Patriots: 10
Continuing the intense action of the first quarter, the Ishpeming Hematites trailed by only three points, but several early fouls made staying close difficult for them. The second quarter was filled with back and forth action, but Ishpeming was unable to equal the shooting luck that the Patriots seemed to have. With just one minute left in the first half, it was a 19-15 lead for Westwood who was able to increase their lead to nine by the end of the half.
First Half Score
Ishpeming Hematites: 15
Westwood Patriots: 24
The Ishpeming Hematites were trailing the Westwood Patriots at the start of the second half, but the lead was within sight. Every point that the Patriots scored, the Hematites were able to answer back, leading to a 27-19 Westwood advantage three minutes into the third quarter. It was soon 29-23 for the the Patriots, and the energy in the gym was palpable. With such a close rivalry, both teams’ fans were constantly trying to out-do the others’ cheers. As the final minute of the quarter approached, Westwood led but only by two points. The Patriots began to panic, and a Westwood foul allowed the Hematites to take their first lead of the game 33-30.
Third Quarter Score
Ishpeming Hematites: 33
Westwood Patriots: 30
Keeping their lead rolling, the Ishpeming Hematites scored first in the final quarter, making the score 35-30. Waves of cheers and cries could be heard in the background as the Hematites ebbed and flowed toward the basket. Retribution from last year’s final meeting was just around the corner, and with a lead of 36-34, Ishpeming just had to hold on for four more minutes. Despite their best efforts, Ishpeming relinquished the lead to the Patriots with 39-38. The teams traded the lead back and forth multiple times as the clock wound down, but the Hematites were determined to come out ahead. With just under one minute on the clock, Ishpeming trailed by four points. Soon, Ishpeming needed just two points to take the lead, and with just under 20 seconds on the clock, the game was within their grasp. Despite doing everything in their power, Ishpeming couldn’t hold off the Patriots.
Final Game Score
Ishpeming Hematites: 44
Westwood Patriots:47
Listen LIVE – The Ishpeming Hematites boys basketball team faced the Westwood Patriots on December 7th, 2018.mp3