L’ANSE — In an intriguing matchup Tuesday, the L’Anse Purple Hornets played host to the Chassell Panthers.

While the two teams had not met yet this season, Purple Hornets coach Kyle Koski knew his team would have to bring their best game in order to come away with a late 56-54 win.

“I didn’t get to see Chassell play this year, but I knew they had a lot of guys back from last season and we knew they would bring a lot of energy,” said Koski. “They play a very good zone and they push the ball up the court fast.”

The Purple Hornets’ Louie Bogda lead L’anse with 16 points, nine of which came from beyond the arc. Reese Waara added balance for L’Anse with 12 points.

“We found ourselves down four after the first quarter and I told my guys we needed to start attacking gaps,” Koski said. “(I thought it) would create wide-open shots.”

For the Panthers, Elijah Soumis led the way with 14 points, six coming in the second half. Abe Gockenbach and Blade Warren also added 11 each for Chassell with key layups.

“Their zone gave us some fits in the third quarter,” said Koski. “We fell behind by four going into the fourth and I knew they would be very patient with a lead. (We) challenged (our) team to pick them up full court, man-to-man.

“We got the tempo back up. We made some key plays down the stretch. It wasn’t pretty but a win is a win. (The) kids are getting better every game, and they are starting to learn how to close games that are close.”

Chassell 17 10 20 7 – 54

L’Anse 13 17 13 13 – 56

CTS: Warren 11, Soumis 14, B. Rautiola 10, A. Gockenbach 11, K. Rautiola 6; Fouls: 14; Fouled out: none; 3-point field goals: B. Rautiola 2, Soumis 1, Warren 1

LHS: Reed 12, Kissell 8, Bogda 16, Rajala 2, Waara 12, Ostermeyer 2, LaPlante 4; Fouls: 13; Fouled out: none; 3-point field goals: Bogda 3, Waara 2, Kissel 2, Reed 1