Traverse City Record-Eagle

Prep Sports

March 9, 2012

McBain sizes up Kalkaska in regional win

Ramblers use height advantage in victory

FROM STAFF REPORTS ----

INDIAN RIVER — McBain was able to capitalize on its size to win its third Class C regional championship in four years with a 72-63 victory over Kalkaska.

Post players Dani Hoekwater and Brittany Watson did much of the Ramblers' damage.

Watson paced the team with 24 points and added eight rebounds, while Hoekwater chipped in 12 points and six boards, scoring the team's first eight points in the process to get them started.

"We knew we had to rebound," McBain coach Todd Hamlet said. "We knew they are a great shooting team, so we had to hold them to one shot."

Annemarie Hamlet added six assists and 12 points, all on 3-pointers, while Meredith Hamlet added 15 points. Melissa Bazuin chipped in six assists and six rebounds, and Madison Barnett came off the bench in first quarter to score all five of her points, including a 3-pointer.

McBain — which hit 12 of 13 free throws as a team — advances to meet undefeated St. Ignace in Tuesday's quarterfinal at Gaylord. The Saints (24-0) beat Houghton 70-69 in overtime.

Kalkaska was led by Kelli Guy, who scored 26 points on 10 of 14 shooting. She hit five 3-pointers and dished out a half dozen assists.

Jamie Myas added 14 points and seven rebounds, while Alisyn Hendricks had eight rebounds, Sophy Menestrina contributed 13 points and Tabitha Kibby knocked down a trio of 3-pointers for all nine of her points.

"I'm so proud of our kids and our program," Kalkaska coach Dave Dalton said. "Even when we lose, I feel like I win because we have such great kids."

The Blazers (21-4) have won 68 games over the last three years, appearing in the regional finals each season.

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