GREMLINS TOP PURPLE HORNETS

L’ANSE — Despite a game-high 25 points from Mylee Londo, the L’Anse Purple Hornets could not answer everything the Houghton Gremlins girls basketball team threw at them, including a 22-point fourth quarter, as the Gremlins earned their first win of the season.

Danica Ryynanen led the way, especially in the fourth for the Gremlins, where she scored 14 of her team-high 24 points. Eva Gerard put up 16 points and added 10 rebounds to finish with a double-double.

Clea Ollanketo scored six of her 13 points in the final eight minutes to give Houghton three players in double figures.

Londo had a huge third quarter for the Purple Hornets, scoring nine points to lead the charge. Brooklyn Dompier also had a strong night with 12 points, but she was held off the scoreboard in the final eight minutes.

BLUE BOLTS FALL TO EAGLES

DOLLAR BAY — The Dollar Bay-Tamarack City Blue Bolts girls basketball team dropped their season-opener Tuesday night to the Stephenson Eagles, 53-30, but overall, new coach Devin Schmitz was happy with a lot of what he saw from his team.

“I think we played well, we just have to hit our shots,” he said. “They had a great game, pressured us well, and shot a high percentage.”

The Blue Bolts trailed 36-16 at the half, but things improved in the second half as they got more comfortable.

Adelyn Swain led Dollar Bay in scoring with 12 points, but she only made one basket in the second half. Aubrey Karppinen, who had just two points in the first half, scored five more in the fourth quarter to get to seven for the night.

“We have a lot of room and time to grow,” said Schmitz. “We shot a very poor percentage. I think it’s just first game jitters.”

Adria Ruleau led the Eagles with 24 points, including a pair of threes. Maddie Vista was the only other Eagles player in double figures with 14 points.

GLADIATORS FALL TO SPEEDGIRLS

ONTONAGON — The Bessemer Speedgirls opened the 2023-24 season with a 50-40 win over the Ontonagon Gladiators on Tuesday.

According to Ontonagon coach Lori Wardnyski, the Gladiators had their chances to take a lead and finish this game with a victory.

“We had many chances to win the game,” she said, “but (we) missed free throws, layups and (we) did not box out. I am proud of the girl and their efforts to play through foul trouble.”