Ishpeming’s Sophie Hooper, front center, goes for her own rebound against L’Anse’s Haley Nankervis, behind Hooper, in the fourth quarter of their high school girls basketball game played at the Hematites’ gym on Monday. (Photo courtesy Daryl T. Jarvinen)

ISHPEMING — Senior forward Elizabeth Farley grabbed a career-high 17 rebounds to go with 13 points to help the Westwood girls basketball team defeat Iron Mountain 63-46 on Monday night.

It was the sixth straight victory for the Patriots, who improved to 8-2 overall and 4-1 in the Mid-Peninsula Conference.

Westwood head coach Kurt Corcoran said a good start and the big performance by Farley propelled his team.

“We had a strong first half with a 32-11 lead at halftime,” he said. “We were excellent defensively. I was a little bit worried after a week and a half off and was a little let down with our second-half performance, but Liz (Farley) put us on her back and willed us to victory.”

The Patriots held a 17-6 edge at the end of the first quarter and allowed the Mountaineers just five points in the second quarter.

After being outscored 16-10 in the third quarter, the Patriots answered with 21 points in the fourth to pull away.

Sophomore guard Madi Koski also tallied 13 points for the Patriots. Iron Mountain (1-8, 0-4) was led by junior Saylor Swartout with 11 points.

Westwood, which also won the JV game 44-36, hosts undefeated Negaunee on Friday.

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Ishpeming 81, L’Anse 47

At Ishpeming, senior guard Madigan Johns exploded for 29 points in just three quarters as the Hematites never looked back.

Hematites head coach Ryan Reichel said he wanted his team to play up-tempo right out of the gate.

“Being our third game in 26 days we were really motivated to come out fast,” he said. “I thought defensively we were playing well and causing turnovers. We had five players score (in) double figures and when that happens you should be on the receiving end of a win.”

The Hematites (8-1) jumped out to a 17-4 lead before the Purple Hornets (3-6) cut it to 21-16.

After that, Ishpeming went on a 28-9 run to go up 49-25 at the break. Ishpeming also outscored L’Anse 32-22 in the second half.

Senior guard Katie Loman added 13 points, 11 rebounds and 10 steals for the Hematites. L’Anse was led by Addison Mattson with 11 points.

Ishpeming hosts Iron Mountain on Wednesday, while L’Anse is off until Monday when the Hornets go to Ontonagon.

Ishpeming won the JV game, 53-46.

Information compiled by Journal Sports Writer Ryan Spitza. Email him at sports@miningjournal.net.