EWEN — After the Calumet Copper Kings proved the Ontonagon Gladiators girls basketball team was beatable, the Ewen-Trout Creek Panthers proved it again Friday night with a 45-32 win at home.

“We played excellent as a team,” said Panthers coach Jackie Besonen. “Our girls had an excellent defensive game.

“I felt we shared the ball well. Each player stepped up and made a big play when we needed it. It may have been a steal or a rebound or a shot.”

The Panthers’ defense held every Gladiators shooter under double digits. However, Besonen was quick to praise her opponents’ efforts.

“Give Ontonogan credit,” she said. “They played tough defense and made it very difficult for us to get it into our post players. Luckily our girls were to find some open persons and hit some open shots.”

Elise Besonen led all scorers with 15 points for the Panthers.

Ontonagon 9 2 11 10 – 32 

Ewen-Trout Creek  13 6 15 11 – 45

ONT: T. Menigoz 3, E. Menigoz 3, Labyak 6, Wardynski 6, Lutz 4, Kolpak 1, Fredrickson 4, Lukkari 4, Uotila 1; Fouls: 14; Fouled out: none; 3-point field goals: T. Menigoz 1, E. Menigoz 1, Wardynski 1

ETC: Berglund 7, LeGault 9, Borseth 8, Besonen 15, Moilonen 6; Fouls: 11; Fouled out: none; 3-point field goals: none