Ishpeming, Michigan – February 14th, 2019 – The Ishpeming Hematites girls basketball team was at home on a snowy Thursday night to battle the tough Escanaba Eskymos. The every present team of Tyler Young and Bob Nadeau were courtside to broadcast all the action to you on 98.3 WRUP and online at WRUP.com/Stream!
As the Ishpeming Hematites took the court against the Escanaba Eskymos, they knew they had a tough game ahead of them. Escanaba took the first possession, but the Hematites put a quick stop to that drive. The game was extremely close throughout much of the first few minutes of play, but Ishpeming managed to eek out a small lead. When the first buzzer sounded, the Hematites clung to a four point lead and seemed optimistic heading into the second.
First Quarter Score
Ishpeming Hematites: 12
Escanaba Eskymos: 8
The first quarter was a tough battle for the Ishpeming Hematites, but they kept ahead of the Eskymos going into the second eight minutes. Fouls seemed to hurt Ishpeming, and Escanaba took control of the game just minutes into the quarter. The Eskymos never let up on their pressure, and even though the Hematites still managed to score, Escanaba’s defense came to life. As the end of the first half drew close, the Eskymos had stifled Ishpeming, who’s bench was eerily quiet at the second buzzer.
First Half Score
Ishpeming Hematites: 19
Escanaba Eskymos: 25
After some time to regroup during the halftime break, the Ishpeming Hematites were ready for the second half. Fouls were a major problem for the Hematites, as giving Escanaba any chance at the free throw line came back to hurt them. The Eskymos were hitting an incredible amount of their shots taken, and their play beneath the net was unstoppable. As the last minute of the third drew close, Ishpeming had to scramble to keep Escanaba’s lead under ten points.
Third Quarter Score
Ishpeming Hematites: 29
Escanaba Eskymos: 35
The Ishpeming Hematites were giving it their all on the court, doing anything they could to keep the Eskymos impressive shooting in check, however, nothing seemed effective. Fouls were still killing the Hematites, and Escanaba’s late lead was due almost entirely to free throws. Frustration could be felt from the Ishpeming bench, and several team leaders were doing anything they could to spark some life into their bench. As the final minute neared, Ishpeming was running out of time-stopping options, allowing Escanaba to dictate the pace of the game until the final buzzer.
Final Game Score
Ishpeming Hematites: 47
Escanaba Eskymos: 53
Listen LIVE – The Ishpeming Hematites girls basketball team took on the Escanaba Eskymos at home Thursday night on 98.3 WRUP.mp3