Ishpeming's Rebekah Loman goes up to block a shot against Kingsford Tuesday at Kingsford. (Iron Mountain Daily News photo by Matt "Sweets" McCarthy)

KINGSFORD — On Tuesday night, the Kingsford Flivvers Girls Basketball team welcomed the Ishpeming Hematites to the Kingsford Middle School Gymnasium for a non-conference matchup. Ishpeming and head coach Ryan Reichel came away with a 48-31 victory.

The key to the game Tuesday night for the Hematites, is what Reichel says is the key to the flow of their offense, ball movement and lots of it. “Our offense is dictated off of ball movement, because we don’t run a-lot of sets. It’s like an old man, city league style of play, where the ball moves and hits the right person at the right time.” said Reichel.

“The girls did a good job with the height advantage Kingsford had, we pulled their tall girls out of the paint and were able to get some dribble drive opportunities,” Reichel said. The Hematies were led in scoring by Madisyn Mead with 14 points, Emma Porier chipped in 13 and Tia Mattila with 10.

Reichel noted that at one point, Ishpeming had a 5’2” girl guarding a 5’11” Kingsford player, all the while the Hematies out rebounded Kingsford. “We were able to do that by out working them and our ball movement forcing them to stay in man to man defense.”

On the other sideline, Flivvers head coach Lisa Harry was disappointed with her team’s performance on the evening. “We struggled to generate offense, which I knew would be a problem without Brooke(Kriegl), she creates scoring opportunities for everyone else, because she draws to much defensive attention from who ever we’re playing.” said Harry.

Kingsford’s offense seemed to sputter for most of the game. “We seemed a step behind throughout the game, which we need to improve on. Tomorrow is another day of practice, we need to work towards improving each game, because it’s a long season and we need to keep our focus.” Harry said.

Maggie Strehlow led the Flivvers with 13 points. Christy Glodowski grabbed nine rebounds and dished out six assists for Kingsford.

Harry noted that her team needs to work on not turning the ball over as often, as well as positioning while rebounding on both ends of the floor. Harry also noted that the injury to Kriegl is inflammation of her left foot, that will heal with rest. The target return date for Kriegl’s return is Jan. 3 versus Iron Mountain.

“Any time you take Brooke Kriegl off of any team, that team is a different team. I expect a much different game when we play them again in Ishpeming. I hope she gets healthy as soon as possible, she’s a great player and fun to watch.” Reichel said.

The Flivvers now 1-2, travel to non-conference foe Forest Park Friday night, before traveling to Great Northern Conference opponent Gladstone on Tuesday. Ishpeming is off until hosting cross town rival Westwood in Mid Peninsula Conference action on Monday.

Kingsford won the JV game 39-31.