NEGAUNEE — Negaunee came out on top of a big battle of Marquette County girls basketball teams over the past week, the Miners defeating both Ishpeming and Gwinn.

In other contests, the Modeltowners handled Jeffers and Westwood dropped Iron Mountain.

In games to start out next week involving these squads, Ishpeming hosts Iron Mountain on Monday evening, while Gwinn hosts Westwood and Negaunee travels to Manistique on Tuesday night.

Here are details from recent games:

Negaunee 54, Ishpeming 44

On Friday at Negaunee, Lili Saunders scored 15 points to lead the Miners to what coach Mike O’Donnell called a well-played win.

“This was probably the most complete effort for four quarters that we’ve played all year,” O’Donnell said in an email detailing the result. “I thought in the most pressure-packed game we’ve played in this season, we played loose, confident basketball. That’s a positive sign for us.

“Lili Saunders had a big night. She got us going early and kept the hot hand throughout the game and finished with her career high (in points.)”

“Gretel Johnson facilitated the offense and chipped in with 10 assists.”

“(Keira Waterman) did a phenomenal job defensively and still chipped in 12 points.”

Johnson also added 10 rebounds.

Ishpeming’s Jenessa Eagle led all scorers with 18 points, making 6 of 8 free throws, while teammate Mya Hemmer had 15 points.

The Miners steadily built up their lead, going ahead 13-10 after one quarter, 29-21 at halftime and 46-35 after three quarters before the Hematites chipped away a bit in the final period.

Gwinn 37, Jeffers 32

On Monday at Gwinn, the Modeltowners were shorthanded with two players out due to illness and another to an injury.

But Gwinn’s defense kept the Jets at bay.

“We could have let this one get away, but I’m so proud of these girls for grinding this one out,” Modeltowners coach Adam Ely said in an email detailing the result. “We had an up-and-down first half, but for the second straight game, we held our opponent to single digits in the second half.

“(Gwinn) did a great job taking care of the ball, with nine turnovers.

“(Jeffers) took 20 more shots than we did; you don’t win many games having the opponent shoot 20 more times. We made up for that with fouling less and getting to the line more.

“We have been showing some real buy-in and poise.”

Individual scoring wasn’t available.

Westwood 49, Iron Mountain 18

On Monday at Westwood, the Patriots jumped out with a superior scoring effort in the opening quarter and never looked back.

Westwood’s Eliisa Doney led all scorers with 14 points, while teammate Kaylin Doney added 10 as nine players scored, according to a text detailing the result from WHS coach Christie Makela.

Alyssa Wood paced the Mountaineers with seven points.

The Patriots raced to a 16-6 lead after the first quarter, padding it to 28-9 by halftime and 34-12 after three quarters.

Negaunee 56, Gwinn 16

On Tuesday at Negaunee, the Miners spread out their scoring with all 11 players that suited up making at least one basket.

Clare O’Donnell led the way with 13 points, while Waterman put in 10 and Gretel Johnson had eight.

O’Donnell added seven rebounds and Johnson seven steals to their stat lines.

“I thought we got after it well,” Mike O’Donnell said in an email detailing this result. “I know Gwinn has a touch of illness going through their lockerroom right now and they were a little depleted.

“We tried to do a few different things on defense and I thought executed those well.”

Makayla Delmont paced the Modeltowners with nine points, including a 3-pointer.

The Miners scored 19 points in the second quarter to build a 30-7 halftime lead.

Story contents based on emails received from Gwinn coach Adam Ely, Negaunee coach Mike O’Donnell and Westwood coach Christie Makela. Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee’s email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.