GOODBYE SENIORS: Flivvers Outlast Braves 72-63

GLADSTONE---The Gladstone Braves honored their three seniors Tuesday night, and then got off to a strong start in their game against the Kingsford Flivvers.

But the Flivvers turned up their defense to take control of the game, and went on to post a 72-63 victory on Senior Night in Gladstone.

It was an emotional pre-game ceremony as seniors Alyssa Polley, Leigha Woelffer, and Tasi Martinez were honored.

And in keeping with a longstanding Gladstone Senior Night tradition, Kingsford seniors Brianna Robinson, Hannah Carlson, and Abby Tomasoski were also recognized.

The Braves, who haven't won a Great Northern Conference game all season, came to play in this one. Kingsford came out with ice cold shooting, and Gladstone raced to an 8-0 lead halfway through the first quarter.

Kingsford Coach Mike Cross called a time out.

And after that time out, the Flivvers went to a full-court press defense, and the Braves couldn't handle it. That defense forced numerous turnovers, and at the same time, Kingsford caught fire on offense, with 26 points in the second quarter alone.

The Flivvers led, 32-22, at the half, and then Carlson continued to dominate inside, scoring five more baskets in the third quarter to go along with four second quarter baskets. Gladstone closed to within five points in the third quarter, 41-36, on a Polley triple and a steal and lay-up by Woelffer.

But Kingsford had the answer.

The Flivvers took their biggest lead, 54-38, late in the third quarter, with Carlson keying a 13-2 run.

The Braves didn't go away, however, as both Polley and Kaitlyn Hardwick both made three-pointers in the final seconds of the quarter, cutting it to 54-45.

Taylor Hunter had a big fourth quarter for Gladstone, scoring ten of her 18 points, helping the Braves close to within six points, 67-61, in the final minutes.

But the Braves could get no closer as six different Gladstone girls got four fouls. Hardwick fouled out. Carlson led Kingsford with 21 points, while Jordyn Kriegl added 17 and Olivia Allen scored 11. The Flivvers improved to 13-6 overall, 6-2 in the GNC.

Besides Hunter's 18 points, Woelffer scored 15 and Hardwick 13 for the Braves, who fell to 5-14 overall (0-8 GNC). Gladstone visits Iron Mountain Thursday night.

Click the thumbnails in the ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS box above to see photos and video highlights taken by Mike Dagenais.