Ishpeming, MI – December 12th, 2018 – After a tough start to the season, the Ishpeming Hematites were facing the Gwinn Modeltowners on a calm December evening. Both teams were looking to add a win to their record, and Bob and Tyler were in the gym live on 98.3 WRUP to broadcast all the action directly to you!
Getting the game off to a good start, the Ishpeming Hematites took the opening tip and were able to score the first two points of the game. The Hematites maintained a lead through much of the first quarter, however, Gwinn’s Austin Forbes tied the game with a smooth three-pointer that didn’t even touch the rim. There were relatively few whistles in the first, with both teams respecting the others’ scoring ability and knowing they might need those fouls later in the game. As the first quarter wound down, the score remained tied as both teams answered each others’ baskets.
First Quarter Score
Ishpeming Hematites: 13
Gwinn Modeltowners: 13
Even though it was a close first quarter, the Gwinn Modeltowners broke out to an early 18-13 lead in the second, forcing the Ishpeming Hematites to burn a timeout in order to collect their thoughts. Ishpeming slowly battled back, and they were able to tie the game at 20-20 at the halfway point of the second. A Gwinn player, Austin Forbes, went down hard after aggravating a previous injury, but he was later able to re-enter the game. As the final minutes burned off the clock, points were traded back and forth, and the first fouls of the game started to be used to stop any scoring opportunities.
First Half Score
Ishpeming Hematites: 24
Gwinn Modeltowners: 26
Nearly the first three minutes of the second half were scoreless, but the Ishpeming Hematites looked to take the lead from Gwinn. Both teams’ defense came to play in the second, with each team having multiple steals. the Modeltowners were the first to add to their score on a long jump shot to make the score 29-24. Ishpeming was suppressed for much of the quarter, and they found themselves behind by seven points with four minutes left to play. As the clock ticked under two minutes, The Hematites were finally able to score, but Gwinn maintained their lead, 37-29. The Ishpeming players could sense the game slipping away from them, and their urgency increased until the buzzer sounded.
Third Quarter Score
Ishpeming Hematites: 31
Gwinn Modeltowners: 42
The Ishpeming Hematites had some ground to make up as the final quarter began, but the Modeltowners were able to add to their score first in the quarter. As the seconds fell off the clock, the Hematite players were giving it their all, but they were having trouble generating any offense. The score was 47-33 with six minutes left in the game. The game started to get physical when Ishpeming began to close the gap, and they forced Gwinn to take a full timeout with under five minutes left on the game clock. Hunter Smith drained a huge three-pointer to bring Ishpeming within three points, and suddenly, the gym was alive with excitement. The game would be decided in the final seconds of play, with Hunter Smith scoring another three point shot to keep the game close, but they just couldn’t take the lead.
Final Game Score
Ishpeming Hematites: 50
Gwinn Modeltowners: 52
Listen LIVE – The Ishpeming Hematite boys basketball team faces off with the Gwinn Modeltowners in Ishpeming on December 12th, 2018.mp3