Negaunee, MI – March 19, 2021 – A second-half run by the Negaunee Miners Girls Basketball team gives them the win 42-29 against the Westwood Patriots. Jesse Anderson had the call on Sunny 101.9.
Listen to the full game here. (80 min.)
1st Quarter
The Miners started senior night off strong. Two baskets each from Emilia Palomaki and Morgan Carlson propelled Negaunee to a quick five-point lead. However, Westwood was able to stay in the game. Two baskets from Megan Marta, including one in the final minute, cut the lead back to three. The quarter was a battle between two strong defenses, as both teams were able to block shots and force a few turnovers. The Miners led 9-6 at the end of the first.
2nd Quarter
In the second quarter, the game remained tight. Alyssa Hill scored six points in the quarter for the Miners, but they still couldn’t pull away. The Miners scored a few points early, and again it looked like they could make a good run, but the Patriots answered almost immediately. Westwood was able to get some key buckets to stay in the game. Notably, Marta led the Patriots in scoring with 10 points in the half. Along with Hill, Palomaki also scored six for the Miners, as they held onto the slim lead at halftime 20-17.
3rd Quarter
The third quarter saw the Miners get a little breathing room. It seemed like the Miners’ depth was taking a toll on the Patriots. Westwood only had four players coming off the bench, and Negaunee was able to take advantage. Westwood scored the first basket of the half, but Negaunee finished the quarter on an incredible 12-0 run. Lilly Nelson had a deep three pointer that gave The Miners momentum. Sierra Hendrickson also hit a shot in the closing seconds, which gave Negaunee the 32-19 lead going into the final quarter.
4th Quarter
The Final quarter was competitive, but Negaunee’s lead was already too big for the Patriots to overcome. Westwood had some success early on, including three straight and-one layups by Natalie Prophet. Nonetheless, the Miners were able to hold on, as Palomaki hit a late three to give Negaunee a 13 point lead with less than two minutes left. This lead
would stand, as the Miners took the win 42-29. Alyssa Hill led the Miners in scoring with 12, and Palomaki had 11. These teams will play again on Monday in Westwood to start the 2021 district playoffs.
Final: 42-29
NEXT GAME: Monday, March 22nd on the road against the Westwood Patriots for the district playoffs. Tune into the Elder Agency Pregame Show with Jesse Anderson at 7pm on Sunny 101.9.
