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ONAWAY – Scoring balance has been a theme for the Inland Lakes Bulldogs all season.
It’s a huge reason why the Bulldogs have been winning championships over the last few years.
That balanced attack was once again on display in a postseason setting, as the Bulldogs saw nine different players score in a 63-22 victory over Rogers City in an MHSAA Division 4 girls basketball district semifinal at Onaway on Wednesday, March 4.
Senior Chloe Robinson and sophomore Ava Belford recorded 14 points apiece for the Bulldogs (19-3), who led 10-7 despite a sluggish opening quarter. Inland Lakes showed improvement in the second quarter, outscoring the Hurons 15-3 and taking a 25-10 advantage into halftime.
“We discussed being more balanced offensively after the first quarter. From that point, we started rolling,” Inland Lakes coach Daryl Vizina said. “This game was like so many this season where we got contributions from everyone.”
Also getting in on the I-L scoring act were Faith Lehre and Molly Monthei, who tallied six points apiece, Josephine Furman, Mary Myshock, Andrea Vigneau and Addison Byrne, who scored five points each, and Kalli Williamson, who chipped in with three.
"Faith (Lehre) got our game ball. She scored a few buckets when we were working through things early,” Vizina said. "She also played tough defense. She’s an unsung hero for us every game.”
Natalie Crawford’s 12 points paced Rogers City (10-13), which received six points from Chelsea Myers.
Inland Lakes will go for a fourth consecutive district title when they travel to face M-68 rival Onaway in a 7 p.m. final on Friday, March 6.
Szymoniak, Cardinals power past Posen
ONAWAY – Marley Szymoniak’s high school basketball career is ending soon.
But the Onaway senior guard will get one last shot to win a district title on her home court.
Szymoniak netted a game-high 19 points – including four 3-pointers – to help lead the Cardinals to a 42-26 victory over Posen in an MHSAA Division 4 girls basketball district semifinal at Onaway on Wednesday, March 4.
Szymoniak’s big-time performance was pivotal for the Cardinals (8-15), who used a strong first half to take a 27-14 lead into the break.
“(Szymoniak) had a great night on both sides of the court,” Onaway coach John George said. “She was talking and keeping everyone up.”
Onaway also played outstanding defense, forcing 18 Posen turnovers in the contest.
Onaway received seven points from Maya Shimel, six from Saleen MacGregor, five from Natalee Hyde (five steals), three from Andrea Ruppert (six blocks), and two from Aleigha Garms (10 rebounds).
Onaway faces Inland Lakes (19-3) in a 7 p.m. district final at Onaway on Friday, March 6.
“We all know we have our hands full playing another matchup with I-Lakes,” George said. “The last two meetings haven’t been favorable for us, but we are familiar with what we are going to see and hope that helps us a bit. Either way, I’m proud of my group. Great win to make it to the final on our home court.”
Second quarter sinks Chiefs in loss to Sault
PETOSKEY – When senior Olivia Patrick hit a 3-pointer to cut Cheboygan’s deficit to one against Sault Ste. Marie in the second quarter, it seemed like momentum was in favor of the Chiefs.
But then the Blue Devils snatched it away in an instant, while the Chiefs could never recover.
Right after Patrick’s three, the Blue Devils exploded with a 16-0 run and coasted to a 51-26 victory over the Chiefs in an MHSAA Division 2 basketball district semifinal at Petoskey on Wednesday, March 4.
“The Sault is always tough. We knew we needed to break their press every possession and stop transition buckets,” Cheboygan coach Walter Hanson said. “We also wanted to work the inside with various mismatches. Things went to plan in the first quarter. Diem (Schley) did great working the inside. Then (Sault) started to get into their groove and got some buckets. Then we struggled from then on.”
Schley’s seven points led the Chiefs (11-11), who received six points from Cloee Rupp, five apiece from Estella Redding and Patrick, and two from Jaelyn Wheelock.
“We played hard and did a lot of things well,” Hanson said. “(Sault) had a few more unanswered runs that sunk our efforts. Overall, it was a good season for us and the girls worked really hard. The seniors need to get a lot of credit for the work they have put in. Our team is full of amazing kids who work hard, care about each other, and put others before themselves.”
Following the defeat, Hanson praised his senior class – Jaelyn Wheelock, Olivia Patrick, Addison Ptasnik, Caleigh Easter and Bea Schulz – once more.
“It’s been an honor and privilege to have had the opportunity to coach them the last few years,” Hanson said.
Madee Darling scored a game-high 19 points and Piper Bell netted 16 for the Blue Devils (18-4), who clash with host Petoskey (19-3) in a 6 p.m. district final on Friday, March 6.
Petoskey rolled to a 57-22 victory over Kalkaska in its semifinal.
Comets beaten by Cedarville in semifinals
CEDARVILLE – The Mackinaw City Comets gave Cedarville a battle, but it just wasn’t enough.
Looking to book their ticket to a district final, the Comets fell short in a 47-37 loss in an MHSAA Division 4 girls basketball semifinal at Cedarville on Wednesday, March 4.
Cedarville (14-7) travels to St. Ignace (13-8) for a 6 p.m. district final on Friday, March 6. The Saints rolled to a 57-21 win over Pickford in their semifinal.
Despite the loss, the Comets (15-9) had a solid season, capturing eight victories in their final 10 games.
Stats for Mackinaw City will be provided when they become available.
Contact sports editor Jared Greenleaf at [email protected]. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @sportsCDT
This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Cheboygan-area high school girls basketball district semifinal roundup