Girls Basketball District Roundup: Mackinaw City rolls into final with big win

MACKINAC ISLAND – Making the rare trip to play a game at Mackinac Island, the Mackinaw City girls basketball team didn't mess around.

In their first game of the postseason, the Lady Comets delivered a 78-19 thrashing over the Lakers and advanced to Friday’s district title game, which they'll host.

With the victory, the Comets (22-1) will face Cedarville, which captured a 42-31 victory over Pickford in its semifinal matchup on Wednesday. Tip-off in Mackinaw City is set for 6 p.m.

“I was really pleased with our defensive effort and our ball movement tonight,” said Mackinaw City coach Jake Huffman. “The girls did a great job all the way around tonight. My starters did a great job of setting the tone for tonight's game early and we got some nice contributions from my younger players as well. The Lakers have a young team that shows a lot of potential in the coming years and will have everyone back next season.”

The first quarter was a dominant one for the Associated Press third-ranked Comets, who built a 29-0 lead. By halftime, they remained in complete control with a 51-6 advantage.

Larissa Huffman led the Comets with 21 points, seven steals, three rebounds, three assists and one block, while Marlie Postula recorded 21 points, seven rebounds, six steals and three assists, Madison Smith had 16 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, five steals and three blocks, and Gracie Beauchamp also reached double figures with 13 points, six assists, three steals and one rebound. Julia Sullivan added five points, five boards, three steals, two assists and one block.

“My girls and I are looking forward to a tough district championship matchup at home on Friday against ranked Cedarville,” Huffman said. “It should be another classic played on our home floor similar to the showdown with ranked Pickford from last season. I feel our schedule and the tests we faced throughout this season should have us prepared to battle a tough and talented Islanders basketball team on Friday Night.”

Other Mackinaw City contributors included Kerry-Ann Ming (two points, one assist), Abby Brown (two rebounds), Carla Blake (one rebound), Alaina Brown (one rebound) and Kenzlie Currie (one rebound).

Onaway holds off Rogers City, will collide with JoBurg in title game

ROGERS CITY – Just survive and advance.

While it was far from easy for the Onaway girls basketball team in its MHSAA Division 4 district semifinal clash at Rogers City, the Cardinals did more than enough.

As a result, they’ll have a chance to win a title on Friday night.

Fueled by three double-digit scorers, the Cardinals advanced to the final by capturing a 53-48 victory over the Hurons on Wednesday.

Sophomore guard Charlotte Box scored 17 points to lead the Cardinals (17-6), who received 13 points from senior Madilyn Crull and 11 from junior Sydney Peel.

“We struggled with their (Rogers City) size so scoring was few and far between,” said Onaway coach John George. “Either way, they found a way to win. Sydney (Peel) was the difference maker tonight, for sure. She hit big buckets to weather the storm all night. Defensively, we were a bit out of sorts. Either way, this group finds ways to win. We have an opportunity to hoist a trophy, that’s all we can ask for.”

The Cardinals built a 13-8 lead after one quarter, then stretched it to 28-20 by halftime. The Hurons cut their deficit to 40-35 by the end of three, but the Cardinals stayed composed down the stretch and held on for the win.

Kailyn George finished with seven points for the Cardinals. Ema DeMaestri scored three and Marley Szymoniak added two.

Onaway advances to face Johannesburg-Lewiston in a 7 p.m. district final showdown in Rogers City on Friday. JoBurg captured a 66-38 victory over Hillman in its semifinal matchup on Wednesday.

Wandrie breaks scoring record, leads Inland Lakes into district final

HARBOR SPRINGS – The Inland Lakes girls basketball team stamped its ticket to a MHSAA Division 4 district final after rolling to a 75-19 victory over Alanson in a semifinal matchup at Harbor Light on Wednesday.

The Lady Bulldogs (18-5) were led by senior Natalie Wandrie, who scored a game-high 19 points and became the girls basketball’s program’s all-time leading scorer during the contest. Wandrie passed former Inland Lakes star Cally Plummer, who set the previous scoring record in 1998.

“Special shoutout to Natalie, who became the all-time (Inland Lakes) girls basketball leading scorer tonight,” said Inland Lakes coach Daryl Vizina. “I am so proud of her accomplishment and I think her teammates were more excited than she was.”

Tara Clancy scored 11 points for the Bulldogs, while Taylor Jones tallied nine, Ryann Clancy and Jenna Stubbs both scored eight, Chloe Robinson netted six, and Brooklyn LaBrecque finished with five.

Next up for the Bulldogs is a matchup against Burt Lake Northern Michigan Christian Academy (15-8) at Harbor Light on Friday.

“The girls were really pleased to get the postseason win,” Vizina said. “They deserve a lot of credit for their focus tonight. We had a series of unexpected distractions that arose before the game that did not distract them. The girls played really hard and made life really difficult for Alanson. We have our hands full with Burt Lake. If we don’t come out with similar energy and effort, we will leave disappointed Friday night.

“Josh (Ferraiuolo) is a great coach and watching them tonight definitely got my players’ attention.”

NMCA holds off Harbor Light, will face Inland Lakes in championship

HARBOR SPRINGS – Head coach Josh Ferraiuolo and his Burt Lake Northern Michigan Christian Academy girls basketball team had a huge goal this season.

Reach the district final.

Well, mission accomplished.

The Lady Eagles will get their shot to win a district title on Friday night after capturing a hard-fought 46-37 victory at Harbor Light in a MHSAA Division 4 semifinal clash on Wednesday.

“I am so proud of my girls tonight. It wasn’t pretty, but we were fortunate to come out on the winning side,” said Ferraiuolo. “We knew we had an uphill battle tonight. It’s hard to beat a team three times, especially on their home floor that’s beautiful and brand new. We knew they (Harbor Light) were going to make it a hostile environment, and they did. What an unbelievable atmosphere to be a part of.

“I give (Harbor Light) coach Jeff Jakeway a ton of credit, he had his team ready to battle, and they did. Every time I coach against him, I feel outcoached. This was a win that every girl can claim ownership to. Each one stepped up at big moments.”

Senior guard Brooke Ferraiuolo finished with 18 points, eight rebounds and eight assists to spark the Eagles (15-8), who face Inland Lakes (18-5) in a 7 p.m. district title clash at Harbor Light on Friday.

Shanna Ferraiuolo tallied nine points, while Alexis Fosmore added seven points and 10 rebounds, Addie Pietrowski had six points, and Ariel Tucker netted four points.

“I think of Addie (Pietrowski) scoring our first points when we knew they were going to clamp down on Brooke (Ferraiuolo) and Shanna (Ferraiuolo),” Ferraiuolo said. “Alexis (Fosmore) also was big early on scoring, and battling the boards all night. Shanna hit a huge three and a layup in the fourth, when (Harbor Light) put a run together to cut it to six. Very proud of her, but Brooke put us on her back tonight, she was doubled and eventually tripled all night, and she never caved, hit huge free throws in the fourth to keep them at arm’s length. I honestly can’t say enough of how proud I am of her, and how much work she put in for this moment.

“We were able to check off every goal we made at the start of the year now by advancing to the final as a huge underdog against a very good team. We will give it our best shot and play hard; pressure is all on (Inland Lakes) now. Looking forward to Friday night."

This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Cheboygan Area Girls Basketball District Lineup March 1 2023