March 11, 2026 — 11:30 PM EST
Game Details
Final: Ishpeming 40, Ewen-Trout Creek 29
Matchup: Ishpeming Hematites vs. Ewen-Trout Creek Panthers
Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Location: Westwood High School — Ishpeming, MI
Tournament: MHSAA Division 4 Girls Basketball Regional Final
The Division 4 Regional Final between Ishpeming and Ewen-Trout Creek opened exactly how a championship game often does — tight, tense and defensive.
Both teams struggled to find an early rhythm as strong half-court defense and postseason nerves kept scoring at a premium. Ishpeming grabbed the first momentum of the night, but Ewen answered, and the teams finished the first quarter locked at 6-6, setting the tone for a grind-it-out battle.
The Panthers found a spark midway through the second quarter behind Bree Besonen and McKayla Basel, using a quick scoring run to build the game’s largest lead and take a 22-16 advantage into halftime.
Coming out of the break, Ishpeming flipped the energy inside the gym.
Mya Hemmer ignited the Hematites with a huge third quarter — attacking the basket, finishing through contact, and turning defense into offense with a coast-to-coast steal and layup that gave Ishpeming its first lead since early in the game. The play brought the packed Ishpeming crowd to its feet and shifted the momentum inside Westwood’s gym.
Hemmer’s aggressive play fueled a strong stretch that pushed Ishpeming ahead 28-25 heading into the fourth quarter.
The final quarter tested Ishpeming’s composure.
Jenessa Eagle battled foul trouble throughout the night and eventually fouled out with just over four minutes remaining — a moment that could have shifted the momentum.
Instead, the Hematites responded.
A huge three-pointer from Marie Salisbury stretched the lead, and Ishpeming controlled the closing minutes behind key plays from Camby Gauthier, Brittanie Piotrowski, and more relentless drives from Hemmer.
Hemmer finished with 18 points, leading the way as Ishpeming closed the game at the free-throw line and sealed a 40-29 regional championship victory.
Ewen-Trout Creek was led by Bree Besonen, who finished with 13 points, while McKayla Basel added 8.
With the win, Ishpeming advances to the MHSAA Division 4 State Quarterfinals, scheduled for 7:00 PM on March 17 at Gladstone High School. The Hematites will face the winner of the Regional 26 Final between Newberry and Indian River Inland Lakes, which will be played March 12 at 7:00 PM in Cheboygan, Michigan.
Fans can follow the tournament bracket here.
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