From left, Ishpeming’s Marissa Maino readies to take a shot against Negaunee defenders Madysen Kontio and Abby Nelson Thursday at Ishpeming High School. (Journal photo by Jess Makela)

“Our girls did a good job of closing it out.” — Brandon Sager, head coach, Negaunee girls basketball

—————————-

ISHPEMING — Solid free-throw shooting by Negaunee short-circuited a second-half comeback by Ishpeming as the Miners prevailed 44-34 in a high school girls basketball game played Thursday night.

With both teams playing their final game of the regular season, Negaunee clinched second place in the Mid-Peninsula Conference, finishing 10-2 to Ishpeming’s 9-3. Norway won the conference at 11-1, their only loss coming on Tuesday against Westwood, 54-53.

On Thursday, the Miners (15-5) used a 15-3 second quarter to build a 25-12 halftime lead. But the Hematites (16-4) had four players make baskets in the third quarter to pull within 33-25 entering the final period.

Senior forward Marissa Maino tried to will Ishpeming to the win, scoring seven of her team’s nine points in the fourth quarter.

But it wasn’t enough due to the Miners making 7 of 12 free throws in the last eight minutes.

“We dug ourselves a big second-quarter hole … (but) the second half both teams traded baskets throughout and Negaunee did a good job controlling the game and taking time off the clock,” IHS coach Ryan Reichel said.

“Our defense was the key,” Negaunee coach Brandon Sager said. “The girls defended well.

“Things got a little sloppy for awhile, but our girls did a good job of closing it out.”

Both teams entered the contest working on four-game winning streaks.

Maino led all players with 12 points and seven rebounds, while the Miners’ Hailey Fezatt pumped in 11 points and teammate Clara Johnson had nine.

Maino’s teammate Mariah Austin also pulled down seven rebounds, while the Miners’ Abby Nelson, Madysen Kontio and Ally Jacobson each had six.

Negaunee also won the JV game, 46-38.

Both teams open play on Wednesday in the Class C district hosted by Negaunee. The Hematites face undefeated Munising of the Skyline Central Conference at 6 p.m., while the host Miners square off against fellow M-PC member Gwinn at 7:30 p.m. The championship is set for next Friday.

————————–

Marquette 34, Menominee 32

At Marquette, the Redettes completed a perfect 8-0 campaign in the Great Northern Conference, also finishing 17-3 overall, on Senior Night when five players were honored.

Senior guard Amber Huebner led MSHS with 10 points, six rebounds, six steals, four assists and two blocked shots. Teammates Claudia Hale and Stasha Warchock added five points apiece.

Menominee (10-9, 2-6) was led by Morgan Roman with 12 points.

“We shot 26 percent (from the field), which won’t win on very many nights, but we were able to defend well enough to get the win,” MSHS coach Ben Smith said.

“With our (Class A) district tournament starting in Gaylord on Monday, we need to make sure we shore up a few things and come out with our best effort for four quarters.”

Marquette also won the JV game 68-20.

If the Redettes beat the host Blue Devils on Monday night, they will host a game on Wednesday, and if they win then, they also will host the district title game on Friday.

———————–

Newberry 55, DeTour 31

At Newberry, the Indians rode the hot hand of freshman Makenna Bryant, who didn’t hit the rim on any of her first three shots, all 3-pointers, according to her father and coach, Fred Bryant.

“She was 5 of 7 on 3s and she also made six steals,” Fred Bryant said.

With only six players available, Makenna Bryant finished with 28 points while senior and sister Taylor Bryant had 17 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and four steals.

Newberry jumped out to a 17-9 lead after one quarter and upped it to 33-15 by halftime.

DeTour was paced by Sarah Bailey with eight points.

Newberry, which also won the JV game 50-18, finished the regular season 12-8 overall, 9-3 in the Eastern Upper Peninsula Conference and 4-4 in the Straits Area Conference.

The Indians play in a Class C district at Rudyard and open with a game against the host Bulldogs at 8 p.m. Monday. A win there puts Newberry in the district championship against St. Ignace or Manistique on Wednesday.

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