ONTONAGON — The Ironwood Red Devils held a slim, 40-37, lead with just eight minutes to go Tuesday in Ontonagon. Despite a valiant effort by the Gladiators boys basketball team, they just could not overcome that three-point deficit, and eventually fell by four, 57-53.

The loss, however, was not all bad as Gladiators coach Brittany Turin-Jilbert had a chance to play a number of players who do not see a lot a time on the court.

“Overall I was extremely happy with how we played tonight,” she said. “Being out four of our seven varsity players I had some younger kids step up, and they filled roles exceptionally well.”

Brody Majurin led the scoring for the Gladiators with 19 points. Jerry Majurin followed with 16.

For the Red Devils, it was Nick Miskovich who led in scoring with 23 points and Axton Ruotsala followed with 17.

“Overall, I thought our defense worked really hard all night,” said Turin-Jilbert. “They (Ironwood) did get some position on us inside the second half, especially in the fourth, and that made the difference.

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Ontonagon will play Wakefield-Marenisco in district play next Wednesday.