Grand Rapids, MI: The one thing about March Madness is sometimes even when you think it’s over…it’s far from over!

The first game of the Division II semi-finals would prove to be an emotional rollercoaster for everyone in the gym. Hamilton and Freeland both were in positions to seal the victory. Both had equal chances of surviving another day.

The first quarter was somewhat played at a slow pace, full of fouls and turnovers that caused the first eight minutes to drag out. However, in the second quarter, Hamilton found their power source and completely took over the game. They dominated the boards, forced turnovers, and bad shots and moved the ball around on offense, knocking down big shots. The Lady Hawks went from down one at the end of the first quarter to leading by eight going into halftime.

Hamilton started the third quarter off the way they finished the second. With sophomore A.J. Ediger leading the way, Hamilton continued to have their way with the smaller Freeland team in the paint and around the rim. Just when it seemed like Freeland was running low on gas, Kadyn Blanchard put her team on her shoulders and took over the game. When the third quarter ended, Blanchard was responsible for 13 of Freeland’s last 15 points, and their double-digit deficit was down to five.

Sparked by Blanchard’s run, her teammates Alyssa Argyle and Lily Beyer joined in on the fun. Beyer scoring seven straight points, tying the game and Argyle getting to the free throw line and executing, giving Freeland the lead. Freeland never looked back. They would defeat the Lady Hawks and advance to the finals to face the winner of the Detroit Edison vs. Haslett game.

Game Highlights

Hamilton
•    There was not much more than A.J. Ediger could have done for her team. Although she is only a sophomore, her game today was far more mature. She finished with a double-double.
•    Hamilton got comfortable with their lead, which is always a dangerous thing to do. They put their guard down, and Freeland took advantage of it.
•    Leading Scorers: A. Ediger 30 (17 rebounds), B. Schrotenboer 11

Freeland
•    Freeland did a great job of not panicking when they started trailing by double digits. That energy and drive needs to carry over to the championship game for them to be competitive.
•    Blanchard, Argyle, and Beyer were the pieces of the puzzle Freeland needed to fight back and win. Their energy spread quickly throughout the team.
•    Leading Scorers: Blanchard 23, Argyle 13, Beyer 12 

Grand Rapids, MI: The second game of the Division II semi-finals was heavily one-sided and did not create the emotional distress that the game before it did.

Detroit Edison has been ranked number one in the state from pre-season to the present. They continue to not only live up to all of the hype but also continue to get better and stronger as a unit.

Haslett did not seem to be bothered by the name on the jersey of their opponent. They started the game of stopping Edison from scoring on four straight possessions and even was first to put points on the board. Edison not only missed several shot attempts, but turnovers and silly fouls were also becoming an issue; including a foul on a half-court shot attempt from Haslett at the buzzer.

Edison came out of their huddle at the start of the second quarter with a different look in their eyes. Led by Miss Basketball winner Rickea Jackson and junior Gabrielle Elliot, the Lady Pioneer would go on a 10-2 run and led by double digits at half time.

The second half would be much of the same. However, Haslett never stopped playing hard and fighting for air. Sophomore Sklya Nosek knocked down a three-point shot and made it to the free throw line a couple of times, in an attempt to get her team going. Haslett dove on the court after losing balls and sacrificed their bodies to push and battle with Edison on the boards as best they could. However, the massive monster that is named Detroit Edison was just too much to handle. Edison advances and looks to capture their third straight state championship.

Game Highlights

Detroit Edison
•    At one point in the game, both Jackson and Elliott looked unstoppable. They were everything for Edison on both ends of the court.
•    The Lady Pioneers are long with multiple players over six feet that play on the wing and inside. Their length and height will be huge in their championship game against Freeland.
•    Leading Scorers: Jackson 26, Elliott 21
 

Haslett
•    The score does not reflect Haslett’s efforts. They work hard and are well coached.
•    Haslett is a very young team with only two seniors. Don’t be surprised if you see them here again next year.
•    Leading Scorers: Nosek 16, McKinney 15 

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