Houghton's Tessa Rautiola lines up a jumper against Ishpeming during a game Thursday at the Houghton gym. (Eddie O’Neill/For the Gazette)

HOUGHTON — The Houghton Gremlins girls basketball team closed out their 2025-26 basketball campaign Thursday on a winning note. They defeated the Ishpeming Hematites 62-57 and improved to a 16-7 regular-season record.

While the Gremlins led by as many as 14 points in the fourth, the Hematites (18-3) made it interesting by getting as close as five points with less than two minutes to go.

It was a little too close for comfort for Gremlins coach Julie Filpus.

“This game had everything,” she said, with a smile. “I thought the girls stayed calm and hit big shots when needed. We really played well as a team and needed every point of that 14-point difference.”

While Ishpeming scored first in the opening minute, a 4-2 lead was short-lived. The Gremlins pushed out to a 17-12 advantage after one. Good ball movement and accurate shooting led them to maintain a lead at half, 29-26.

The third was the best eight minutes for the girls in white and orange.

“At half time, I told the girls to keep doing what they were doing,” stated Julie. “We did a great job on the glass as well.”

The girls heeded their coach’s words and outscored their opponents 23-14 in the third, taking a 52-40 lead into the fourth.

While the Hematites were able to get within five points, that is as good as it got.

The Gremlins had three players in double figures and one double-double. Ellie Hainault had the double-double with 17 points and 16 rebounds. Mia Lawson had 11 points, and Kate Filpus had 10.

Janessa Eagle led the scoring for the Hematites with 31 points. Teammate Mya Hemmer sunk 17.

Up next

The Gremlins will open up district play on Monday with a home game against Escanaba. Tip off is scheduled for 6 p.m.