The Lake Linden-Hubbell girls basketball team poses after winning the Division 4 District 98 title with a win over Hancock Friday at the Lake Linden-Hubbell Gym. (Levi Erkkila/For the Gazette)

LAKE LINDEN — The unique seating in the Lake Linden-Hubbell gym increased the energy and intensity of the already amped-up players on the Lakes and the Hancock Bulldogs girls basketball teams. The Division 4 District 98 championship trophy took much of the blame for the frenzied fans and players, but the courtside bleachers and compact second-level viewing were guilty of pushing the emotion in the building through the roof.

The Bulldogs threw everything they could at the favored Lakes squad, but Lake Linden entered the final with only one loss, and kept it that way with a thrilling 49-43 victory.

“We played and worked hard,” said Lakes coach Jack Kumpula. “We did commit a lot of fouls in the third quarter that kept them in that game; otherwise, we could have extended our lead to 12, 15, or even 16 points, but I’m proud of the girls.

“I’m proud of the way they worked, and I’m proud of their defensive play; our defense was really good all night.”

Despite the loss, Hancock coach Ward Helakoski felt his team played hard tonight and hard all season.

“Our girls gave everything they had, and they did what they needed to do to compete tonight,” he said. “I’m thrilled with my kids’ effort. They’ve pleased me all year with their effort, and they’ve gotten better and stronger as the years passed.”

With two minutes left, the Bulldogs started a comeback down eight, 43-35, but could not capitalize on some turnovers.

“Late in the game, we had those high-percentage shots that we missed, and if we had them back, I think we might be holding the trophy,” Helakoski explained.

Kumpula credited junior Emily Jokela for closing the game out for the Lakes.

“They hit the two threes that got them back into the game,” Kumpula said. “Then the momentum turned, and we were back on our heels a little bit, but fortunately, we got Jokela the ball and had her run the game for the most part.”

Jokela put on a show, scoring 28 points to carry the talented Lakes team, and Kumpula showed praise.

“She’s awesome, so good, and she works hard,” Kumpula said. “She’s the first to practice and the last to leave, and she’ll do anything I ask her to do, and she never complained about anything.”

The Lakes had Cleo Milkey put up eight to add to Jokela’s 28.

Lana Aho led the Bulldogs with 11 points, and Kay Pietila added nine.

Hancock started the game playing hard; they led 7-2 a little over halfway through the first quarter. The Lakes cut their deficit from five to three by the end of the frame; the Bulldogs took the first 9-6.

Lake Linden looked like a different team in the second. The Lakes made a push lasting six minutes and 30 seconds, during which they outscored the Bulldogs 18-5. The visitors trailed 24-14 but closed the gap to six, 24-19, when the halftime buzzer sounded.

The third quarter had a similar feel to the second, with the Lakes continuing to control the play. Four minutes in, the Lake Linden lead was six, 29-23, but a few minutes later, the score was 35-25, and Hancock struggled to keep up. The Bulldogs did not quit; a 5-2 run favoring the red and white made it a seven-point game, 37-30, when the teams entered the final quarter.

Over the first half of the fourth, Lake Linden scored six, and Hancock scored three, making it a ten-point game, 43-33. The Lakes looked in complete command. However, the Bulldogs fought hard and took advantage of Lake Linden, who took their foot off the gas. The home team only scored one point over three minutes, while the visiting Bulldogs scored seven to make it a four-point game, 44-40, with 1:12 on the clock. Hancock’s high work rate caused several turnovers; however, they could not capitalize on them. The Lakes were able to close the game out when they made their free throws when the Bulldogs started to foul. The hosts held on to win.

UP NEXT

The Lakes will play Ewen-Trout Creek at Houghton High School Monday at 6 p.m. in the Regional 25 semifinal.