Sophomore Gladstone, Eva Pankonien (10), hugs senior Mayce Hanson, whereas senior Alexa Wetthuhn (23) embraces assistant coach Tasi Martinez within the final moments of a 2 MHSA Division 2, Frankenmuth, on March 18, 2025. Hanson and Wetthuhn are Braves Lone Seniors for a group that arrived within the quarter -state spherical for the primary time in 2012 and for the third time within the historical past of packages. (Mitch Vosburg/Day by day Press)
Cheboygan – Gladstone Ladies Basketball magic run ended on Tuesday.
Regardless of a 20-point effort from Junior Lillie Johnson, Braves misplaced 56-36 in the direction of Frankenmuth in a sport within the 2nd State Finals at Cheboygan Excessive College.
The Braves season ends at 24-Three whereas it reached the quarter quarter spherical for the primary time in 2012 and for the third time within the historical past of the packages.
“I simply ran out of fuel,” Mentioned Braves’ coach Andy Cretens. “We merely didn’t execute issues early and we gave ourselves behind. It’s too good for a group to combat.”
The braces threw early 9-Four advance attributable to Johnson’s contributions, Junior Addy Blowers and Sophomore Eva Pankonien. With impulse on their aspect and over 100 Gladstone college students applauding angrily, every thing appeared to go in favor of violet and white.
Then, Eagles revealed a 16-2 working, capped by one of many 4 triphomores Lucy Conzelmann for a bonus of 20-11.
Braves fell in 4 factors aside from a profitable alternative and 1 from Sophomora Adele Ostlund and an association of the senior Mayce Hanson, however it’s simply as shut as Braves obtained it within the confrontation on Tuesday.
“We really feel very grateful as a result of we have been right here,” Mentioned Cretens. “We weren’t chosen to be right here. We’re delighted to get these two extra weeks that we did not anticipate to have.”
Frankenmuth did not waste time, making it apparent that he desires to decelerate Johnson. Eagles Matchup Zone Protection restricted the alternatives to descend down for Braves, and to get his ball at Johnson within the paint was simple.
As quickly as Johnson entered the paint or obtained the ball, she was crowded by a number of defenders, similar to a pack of bees that have been in a half melted Popsicle in a sunny afternoon. Johnson was bottled at seven factors within the first half.
“Lillie is a participant,” “ Coach Frankenmuth, Joe Jacobs, mentioned about Johnson. “He is without doubt one of the greatest gamers I noticed this season.”
Now Eagles collides with Tecumseh at 5:30 pm on Friday within the state semifinal spherical.
“Gladstone is a group. Jacobs mentioned. “We wished one other day. That has been our mantra for a while. You get one other day.”
Braces are compelled to say goodbye to a pair of seniors from Hanson and the Alexa Wetthuhn heart.
“It’s certainly a particular group”, Cretens mentioned in regards to the 2024-25 iteration of Gladstone Ladies basketball. “They’re so tight knit. They like to stick with one another, they wish to be one across the different. They actually made particular for us as a neighborhood and coaches, as a result of it was simple to go to follow every single day.”
Field rating
Gladstone 11 6 12 7 – 36
Frankenmuth 13 10 15 20 – 56
Gladstone – blowers 2, Hansen 5, Pankonien 6, Ostlund Three, Johnson 20; Ft: Three-7; Errors: 14; Technical factories: Johnson, coach; Three -point baskets: Johnson 2, Pankonien 2, Hansen 1
Frankenmuth – C. Conzelmann 17, R. Brenner 6, Bernthal 7, L. Conzelmann 13, Donovan 12, G. Brenner 1; FT: 17-21; Errors: 13; Three -point baskets: L. Conzelmann 13, C. Conzelmann 2, Donovan 1