Ishpeming, Michigan – January 26th, 2016 – Mike Plourde and Bob Nadeau were in Ishpeming, MI for the Ishpeming Hematites boys game against the Gladstone Braves on 98.3 WRUP and streaming live at WRUP.com. The Hematites looked to keep their season going strong, and Mike and Bob brought you their stats and predictions during the Honor Credit Union pregame show!
The Ishpeming Hematites were able to win the opening toss against the Gladstone Braves, but Gladstone played some great defense and quickly took control of the ball before Ishpeming was able to score. The Braves fought their way to an early lead, but some great plays from Hart Holmgren helped keep the Hematites close. The action was intense as both teams fought for the lead, but Gladstone managed to hang on to a two point margin with three minutes left in the quarter. Before the first quarter ended, the Braves were able to fight their way to a 11-18 lead.
It was a complete turn-around for the Ishpeming Hematites in the second quarter, as they made up nearly all the ground between themselves and the Braves just minutes into the second quarter. Luke Kuliu played some great defense in the first half, with multiple steals and several assists, but it remained a very close game as the game clock ticked under three minutes. The Gladstone Braves were taller than the Hematites, but the Hematites took advantage of this by moving the ball around quickly. With one minute left in the first half, the score was again tied at 26-26, but a foul on the Hematites allowed Gladstone to move ahead by one point.
First Half Score:
Ishpeming Hematites: 28
Gwinn ModelTowners: 27
The action in the gym was intense as ever as the Ishpeming Hematites continued their battle against the Gladstone Braves. The lead was traded back and forth several times early in the quarter, however the Hematites managed to put a little distance between their score and the Braves as the quarter ticked down. Thomas Finegan had a great 3 point buzzer beater at the end of the third to make the score 50-35 in favor of the Hematites.
At the start of the final quarter, the Ishpeming Hematites had managed to gain fifteen-point lead over the Braves. Despite their early lead in the fourth, Ishpeming had their hands full as Gladstone was able to fight back to within nine points midway through the final quarter. Tomas Finegan had more great plays in the second half, amassing almost 20 points with two minutes left to play. Ishpeming sensed desperation from the Gladstone Braves, and they took full advantage, when they increased their lead thanks to some blatant fouls before the game came to an end.
Final Game Score:
Ishpeming Hematites: 64
Gladstone Braves: 55
Join us 01/28/2016 as the Ishpeming Hematite girls battle the Westwood Patriots in West Ishpeming, 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!