MANISTIQUE---Sloane Zenner scored 27 points and a key steal in the final seconds to lead the Houghton Gremlins to a 61-57 win over the Kalkaska Blazers in a Class B Regional Semifinal Tuesday night at the Manistique High School Gym.
Zenner hit four three-point baskets and scored in all four of the game's quarters to send the Gremlins into the regional championship game Thursday against Manistee.
"I think tonight Sloane brought her game to a new level," Houghton Coach Julie Filpus said. "There were times when she just broke the offense, and broke our concept, just to get the ball in her hands and find a spot on the floor where she could score. I'm very proud of her effort and comeptitive drive."
It all came down to the wire, and it was Zenner who made the defensive play that sealed the Gremlin win. Kalkaska (20-3) trailed by ten at the half, and by 14 in the second half, but Natalie Ryckman nailed four three-point baskets to help Kalkaska get back in the game.
Makenzie Wilkinson also had four three's for the Blazers. They found themselves traling, 59-54, late in the game before a long three by Wilkinson brought Kalkaska to within two. The Gremlins then turned it over, giving the Blazers a chance to tie or win the game.
With seven seconds left, the Blazers inbounded, but Zenner raced to the ball and intercepted the pass. They fouled her, and she made both free throws to end the game.
"They ran that play before, so we kind of knew what was happening," Zenner said. "I think we just found the right opportunity to steal the ball. They were trying to get a pass to the basket."
Kalkaska dominated the late part of the third quarter, riding the long bomb shooting to fuel a 13-0 run to take a 49-47 lead. But the Gremlins regained their composure, with sophomore Harlee Froberg and Zenner hitting back-to-back three's to make it 53-49.
"In between the third and fourth quarter, we just talked out who's in control," Filpus said. "We're in control. Who's scared? We're not scared. We have to go out there and play our game. I think those (three's) were the deciding shots of the game."
Wilkinson had 21 points and Ryckman added 18 for the Blazers. Besides Zenner's 27 points, Houghton (17-6) got twelve points from Kendra Monette.
Click the thumbnails in the ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS box above to see photos and videos take by Mike Dagenais, and to hear radio interviews.
Zenner hit four three-point baskets and scored in all four of the game's quarters to send the Gremlins into the regional championship game Thursday against Manistee.
It all came down to the wire, and it was Zenner who made the defensive play that sealed the Gremlin win. Kalkaska (20-3) trailed by ten at the half, and by 14 in the second half, but Natalie Ryckman nailed four three-point baskets to help Kalkaska get back in the game.
Makenzie Wilkinson also had four three's for the Blazers. They found themselves traling, 59-54, late in the game before a long three by Wilkinson brought Kalkaska to within two. The Gremlins then turned it over, giving the Blazers a chance to tie or win the game.
With seven seconds left, the Blazers inbounded, but Zenner raced to the ball and intercepted the pass. They fouled her, and she made both free throws to end the game.
"They ran that play before, so we kind of knew what was happening," Zenner said. "I think we just found the right opportunity to steal the ball. They were trying to get a pass to the basket."
"In between the third and fourth quarter, we just talked out who's in control," Filpus said. "We're in control. Who's scared? We're not scared. We have to go out there and play our game. I think those (three's) were the deciding shots of the game."
Wilkinson had 21 points and Ryckman added 18 for the Blazers. Besides Zenner's 27 points, Houghton (17-6) got twelve points from Kendra Monette.
Click the thumbnails in the ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS box above to see photos and videos take by Mike Dagenais, and to hear radio interviews.
