NEGAUNEE — Sisters Aleda Johnson and Clara Johnson each hit a pair of free throws in the waning minutes to help Negaunee get by Ishpeming 49-47 in a girls basketball game played Monday night.

“Our girls hit some big shots down the stretch,” Miners coach Brandon Sager said. “I know Aleta hit a couple big 3(-pointers) in the fourth, while Chloe Norman made a big offensive rebound or two.

“It was a nip-and-tuck game down the stretch.”

Negaunee jumped out to a 12-8 lead after one quarter and was still ahead 24-20 at halftime. But the Hematites made up that deficit and more in the third quarter, going ahead 30-27 entering the final eight minutes.

The Miners finished the night making 11 of 12 free throws, including 6 of 6 in the fourth quarter. But Ishpeming was no slouch there, either, finishing 8 of 9 from the stripe.

Aleda Johnson, a senior, finished with a game-high 19 points and also shared team rebounding honors with Madysen Kontio with five each. Clara Johnson, a junior, added 15 points.

Ishpeming was paced by senior Marissa Maino with 14 points while Madigan Johns and Chloe Sjoholm recorded nine points apiece.

Negaunee also won the JV game, 51-24.

Information compiled by Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee. His email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.