Ishpeming’s Emma Poirier scores on a shot during the third quarter against Hancock in their West PAC high school girls basketball game played at the Hematites’ gym on Thursday. (Photo courtesy Cara Kamps)

ISHPEMING — The Ishpeming girls basketball team came close to getting a win on its home court Thursday night, but came up just short in the end, falling 36-33 to Hancock.

Emma Poirier led the Hematites with 25 points, while D’Andra Kero had 14 for the Bulldogs.

“Free throws and layups have been our kryptonite in the four close games we’ve lost,” Ishpeming head coach Ryan Reichel said. “We have to get better at the little things to help close these games. Tonight, we defended great, but missed some easy shots and free throws.

“We went 1-3-1 (on defense) to help slow their motion offense down and it seemed to help us. But we just couldn’t capitalize on stops and it ultimately caused us to lose the game.

“I was happy that we handled Hancock’s press. They compete hard and I like the way we responded.”

Hancock led by three points after the first quarter and by one at the half, 14-13. The Bulldogs padded their lead to 25-20 after three quarters.

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Big Bay de Noc 39, Superior Central 33

At Garden Corners, the Black Bears used a strong fourth quarter to defeat the Cougars.

Emma Rutter led SC with 12 points.

It was a close game in the first half as the Cougars led by two after the first quarter, but the Black Bears came back to take a slim 21-20 advantage at halftime.

SC struggled offensively in the third quarter, managing only four points. However, the Cougars shut out Big Bay in the quarter and SC took a 24-21 lead into the fourth.

The Black Bears rallied in the fourth, though, outscoring the Cougars 18-9 to earn the win.

Information compiled by Journal Sports Writer Ryan Stieg. His email address is rstieg@miningjournal.net.