Ishpeming, Michigan – December 29th, 2015 – Mike Plourde and Bob Nadeau were in Ishpeming, MI for the Ishpeming Hematites boys first game of the season against the Westwood Patriots on 98.3 WRUP and WRUP.com. The Hematites looked to start their season strong, and Mike and Bob brought you their stats and predictions during the Honor Credit Union pregame show!
It was sure to be a tough game for both teams, but the Ishpeming Hematites got off to a great start when their first points of the game was a long three-point basket. The score remained tight through the first half of the opening quarter, and the Patriots and Hematites traded the lead back and forth. Luke Kuliu played some great defense, and he had a great steal which shut down Westwood’s momentum late in the quarter. Ozzy Corp had a great blocked shot just before the end of the quarter, and the score was tied 16-16 as the buzzer sounded.
The Westwood Patriots inbounded the ball to start the second quarter, but the Ishpeming Hematites were the first to put points on the board in the quarter. Hart Holmgren scored his second three pointer of the game midway through the second, after he rejected a shot attempt from the Patriots and wrangled the loose ball himself. Ishpeming managed to pull out a small lead before the first half ended, and Thomas Finegan’s great passing helped them secure the lead going into the second half of play.
First Half Score:
Ishpeming Hematites: 33
Westwood Patriots: 25
The Ishpeming Hematite boys’ first game of the season continued to be close, and the start of the third quarter saw the Hematites take the opening tip-off and score on a quick jump shot. Ishpeming’s lead continued to be narrow throughout much of the third quarter, but their defense continued to keep them in the lead. Fouls began to be a problem for the Hematites late in the third, but they managed to keep their lead until the end of the third quarter with a score of 47-42.
The Ishpeming Hematites brought the ball inbounds to begin the fourth quarter, and they were immediately able to increase their lead after a short jump shot. The Westwood Patriots brought the score to within four points with five minutes left in the fourth quarter, but they began to appear worn down. With just under four minutes left in the game, the score was 50-44 in favor of Ishpeming, and that lead was increased when Jaren Kipling nailed a three point shot and made the free throw after he was fouled on the shot. The Hematites continued to play well on defense, and that helped hold Ishpeming’s lead as the game wound down.
Final Game Score:
Ishpeming Hematites: 60
Westwood Patriots: 57
Join us 01/04/2016 as the Ishpeming Hematite boys battle the Gladstone Braves in Gladstone, MI. Mike Plourde and Bob Nadeau will have the Honor Credit Union Pregame Show for you along with all the exciting action, only on 98.3 WRUP and WRUP.com! Don’t miss a beat!