Kingsford, Michigan – February 26th, 2016 – Mike Plourde and Bob Nadeau were in Kingsford, MI for the Ishpeming Hematites boys game against the Kingsford Flivers 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 broke out to an early lead over the Kingsford Flivers, but Kingsford quickly evened-up the score on their first drive. The teams traded points back and forth, but by the midway point of the first quarter, Ishpeming was able to gain a narrow two point lead. The Hematites were doing a great job on defense, and Thomas Finegan had a great block on a Flivers’ shot late in the quarter. Hart Holmgren was also having an exceptional game, and he had nearly half of Ishpeming’s points in the quarter. At the sound of the buzzer, Ishpeming led with a score of 18-16 on 98.3 WRUP!
Kingsford was using a man-to-man defense against the Ishpeming Hematites, which they weren’t used to seeing, and that allowed the Flivers to stay close to Ishpeming. The separation between the two teams remained extremely small, and by the halfway point of the quarter, Ishpeming only led by three points. Hart Holmgren again came up big for Ishpeming when he immediately responded to a Flivers’ three-pointer with a fast break layup. By the time the first half ended, the two teams were only separated by three points.
First Half Score:
Ishpeming Hematites: 31
Houghton Gremlins: 28
It was an exceptional game between the Ishpeming Hematites and the Kingsford Flivers, in what turned out to be a back-and-forth affair. Kingsford wasn’t able to wrestle the lead away from Ishpeming in the first half, but they came within one point multiple times. Midway through the third quarter, Ishpeming again only led by a single point, but a foul from Kingsford provided the opportunity to advance their lead. The Hematites’ athleticism became apparent when they jumped out to a huge lead with three minutes left. By the time the third quarter ended, Ishpeming led Kingsford by a surprising score of 44-33.
In the third quarter, the Ishpeming Hematites were able to gain a 10 point lead over the Kingsford Flivers, and as the final quarter ticked away, they were able to maintain their 10 point for the first half of the quarter. Kingsford abandoned their man-to-man defense from earlier in the game for the more aggressive tactic of the full-court press to try and stop the Hematites. With two minutes left in the game, Ishpeming held an 11-point lead with a score of 53-42, but Kingsford was doing everything they could to even the score. The Hematites were able to hold off the Flivers and took home an excellent win.
Final Game Score:
Ishpeming Hematites: 58
Houghton Gremlins: 46
Join us 03/01/2016 as the Ishpeming Hematite boys battle the Negaunee Miners in Negaunee, 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!