NEGAUNEE, MI – 12/10/2014 – While the boys had their share of struggles in Escanaba, the girls weren’t going let Esky come in and pull off a complete sweep of Negaunee sports this week. Coming off of a season where the GNC team swept the girls with two dominating double digit victories, Negaunee was able to return the favor this time around with a thrilling 55-52 victory.
Without one of their best players on the court, Negaunee lead for much of the first half, as they went into the break up 28-19, but the Eskimos were able to nearly double their point total in the third, outscoring the Miners 18-13. The fourth quarter was a complete battle, as Negaunee let their lead dwindle and eventually lost it as Eskimo Michelle LaFave hit a late bucket to tie the game up at 52 apiece in Negaunee. Much like with the boys game, this is when you find out what you’re made of. The Miners brought the ball up on their final possession, and after a few passes around the perimeter, Courtney Clicker caught the ball in the right-hand corner, pulled up, and hit the three as the final buzzer sounded, giving the Miners the 55-52 non-conference win over the Eskimos!
As has become the norm, sophomore point guard Aleda Johnson led the way for the Miners, posting a team-high 19 points, while Clickner tossed in 11 of her own, including the game winner. Also for the Miners, sophomore Hailey Fezatt continues to grow within coach Brandon Sager’s offense as she scored a season-high 10 points, with senior center Hailee Richards also having her best scoring night of the year at eight as she also pulled down seven rebounds.
The girls will play next Tuesday against a very tough Marquette team in Marquette. We will be broadcasting the boys game as they host the Kingsford Flivers in Negaunee. Pregame will begin at 7pm with a 7:30 tip on SunnyFM and online at Sunny.FM! Go Miners!
-Carl Leander Johnson
