Storybook Season Complete: Ishpeming Hematites are Division 4 State Champs

Ishpeming opened the playoffs in dominant fashion, rolling past Superior Central 68–14 in the district semifinal, which gave them the opportunity to host Munising for the district championship. The Hematites claimed the District 100 title with a convincing 67–27 win over the Mustangs. They then advanced to the regional round, where they faced Norway in the semifinal and dominated the Knights 67–34.

Ishpeming returned to where their season began, Westwood, to face Ewen-Trout Creek in the regional final. The Hematites trailed 22–16 at halftime, but took control in the second half behind Hemmer, who led all scorers with 18 points. Ishpeming went on to win 40–29, claiming the Region 25 championship. After battling weather and scheduling complications, the Hematites traveled downstate to Gaylord to face Indian River Inland Lakes for a chance to reach the Breslin Center. It didn’t take long for Ishpeming to get rolling, as they crushed the Bulldogs 60–22, punching their ticket to Michigan State University.

The Hematites got back on the bus and headed to East Lansing to play in the semifinals the next day against Morenci. Neither team was able to find success from beyond the three-point line, with Ishpeming attempting 22 shots from deep. Trailing 20–18 at halftime, the Hematites battled back to tie the game at 27 after three quarters. Ishpeming later took a narrow 35–34 lead late in the game before Camby Gauthier put the finishing touches on the victory with a driving layup, securing a 37–34 win and sending her team to the state championship. Eagle and Hemmer combined for 35 of the team’s 37 points, with Eagle leading the way with 20. On a night when outside shots weren’t falling, Ishpeming’s defense stepped up, forcing 31 turnovers.

In the state championship game, the Hematites faced Portland St. Patrick’s with a chance to be crowned Division 4 State Champions. Ishpeming started fast and never looked back, as Eagle and Hemmer showed why they are two of the best to ever wear a Hematite jersey. Eagle finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Hemmer added 18 points, reaching her 1,000-point milestone, and recorded 17 rebounds, 9 blocks (third most in a championship game), and 6 steals. The Hematites dominated with a 48–28 victory, claiming the Division 4 State Championship, their second in three years. The team finished the season with an overall record of 25–3 and find themselves back on top in Division 4.