Eskymos Shake Off Rust; Outlast Houghton, 53-48
The Escanaba High School girls basketball team shook off a sluggish first half and beat the Houghton Gremlins, 53-48, Friday night in Escanaba.
The Eskymos had just two practices this week, and no games, because of the weather.
Nicole Kamin scored 23 points to lead the Eskymos, as Houghton Coach Julie Filpus was denied her 400th career win.
The Gremlins have struggled this season, falling to 1-12 with the loss. But the visitors had a seven-point lead late in the second quarter.
And the Gremlins stayed in the game right to the end
It was 38-38 entering the fourth quarter before the Eskymos scored three straight lay-up baskets, turning defense and missed Houghton jumpers into transitiion hoops in the other direction.
Kamin and Lexi Chaillier and exchanged baskets and assists on two straight plays, then Kamin found Katie Wilson for a lay-up to make it 44-38.
Chaillier fouled out midway through the fourth quarter, but the Gremlins couldn't take full advantage. Chaillier finished with 12 points for the Eskymos.
Cassie Ryynanen led Houghton with 16 points. Maryellen Trewhella had 15. points.
Escanaba improved to 7-5 on the season.
