Hancock's Alecia Aho tries to get by Houghton's Romi Mattson during the Wing Ding girls basketball game Thursday in Houghton. (Eddie O’Neill/For the Gazette)

HOUGHTON — The Houghton High School gym was packed Thursday night as the annual Wing Ding game took shape on the hardwood between the Houghton Gremlins girls and the Hancock Bulldogs. The hometown crowd was not disappointed, as the Gremlins came back from as many as 12 points down to win the trophy, 58-53.

“I was really frustrated with our start, too many turnovers, and poor shot selection,” said Houghton coach Julie Filpus. “Credit to Hancock as they came out strong and took it to us.”

The Bulldogs pulled out to a 21-10 lead after one. While the Gremlins won the second quarter 14-12, they were still on the losing side, 33-24, headed into the half.

“I was still frustrated at half,” said Filpus. “We had to make some defensive corrections and we did a better job with that.”

The third quarter set the stage for a dramatic fourth quarter by the Gremlins.

“The energy level and confidence grew with every shot in the second half,” Filpus said.

The Gremlins closed the gap by one by winning the third 13-12. The score was in Hancock’s favor at 45-37 with one period to go.

Under the leadership of Ellie Hainault, the Gremlins outscored their opponent 5-1 in the first three minutes. At around the four-minute mark, the game was tied at 47, and again at 49, before the Gremlins took their first lead, 51-49.

That increased to 53-50 thanks to free throws made by Mia Lawson with just over a minute to go. The junior was 7-of-8 from the line and had 13 total points.

The Gremlins kept their composure and outscored the Bulldogs 21-8 in the final eight minutes to win by five.

“I am super proud of the girls,” said Filpus. “They never gave up despite a flat start to this one.”

She gave the game ball to Hainault who had 19 points. Fifteen of those came in the third and fourth quarters.

Ruby Zawada was the third Gremlin in double figures. She had 14 points.

For the Bulldogs, Alecia Aho led the scoring with 20 points. Emery Chynoweth followed with 13.

Up next

The Gremlins will welcome the Calumet Copper Kings to their gym on Monday. The Bulldogs will host the Westwood Patriots on Tuesday.