The season came to an abrupt end for Sault High School’s Lady Blue Devils in the first round of regional play in Manistique Tuesday night.
The Negaunee Miners, led by 6’1 senior forward Alyssa HIll and some tenacious defense, got off to a quick start in the first quarter after a crowd-pleasing two-pointer by Ella Mason at the buzzard put the score at 11-6 for Negaunee.
Both teams were tough defensively playing man-to-man in the 2nd quarter of play. However, the Miners weren’t able to contain Claire Erickson, who scored seven of her 15 points before the half, while Hill could only muster one bucket. The score was tied at halftime 15-15.
At 2:39 in the third quarter Erickson went full court for a layup, creating some noise from the Sault High faithful. It wasn’t enough as Hill started to get the advantage down under and drew some fouls scoring nine points in the quarter, three from free throws. The Miner’s Lillian Nelson scored from behind the three point line while Mason chipped in two to end the quarter with a 29-21 advantage for the Miners.
It was all Hill in the final stanza.
The graceful senior drew several fouls working under the basket, taking advantage of the free throws that were granted her. She tacked on another eight points, six from free throws for a game high of 21 points. Hill was nine for 11 from the free-throw line.
Final score: Negaunee 42, Sault Ste. Marie, 29.
Sault: Nolan, 2; Pratt, 2; Innerebner, 6; Mauer, 2; Erickson, 15; Eavou, 2
Negaunee: Nelson, 6; Dudo, 2; Mason, 10; Gauthier, 3; Hill, 21
