Frankenmuth got out to a quick 10-2 start to open the game. The Eagles extended the lead to 18-10 by the end of the first quarter. Portland responded in the middle two quarters as they switched defenses and made it difficult for the Eagles to find easy baskets. The Raiders cut into the lead and headed to halftime with Frankenmuth leading 27-24.
Portland continued its stingy defense in the 3rd quarter as well, briefly taking the lead before the Eagles responded and closed out the quarter with a 35-34 lead. In the final quarter, the Eagles did a better job of penetrating the Raiders’ zone defense, getting to the basket for layups and getting to the free throw line, where they went 7-8 in the fourth quarter, and 18-21 for the entire game. Frankenmuth did an excellent job down the stretch, holding the ball for long possessions and making it difficult for Portland to cut into the lead.
Freshman Lexi Boyke led the way for ‘Muth, finishing with a double-double – 20 points and 11 rebounds. Sophomores Zoey Persails and Emma Kerkau also reached double figures, finishing with 14 and 11 points, respectively, with Kerkau also adding 3 blocked shots. Senior point guard Kelynn Kujat finished with 5 assists, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals, while committing just two turnovers in nearly 32 minutes of action.
With the win, Frankenmuth advances to Thursday’s regional championship. The Eagles will meet Freeland for the third time this season. The Falcons won the previous contests, 49-47 and 43-39. The championship is scheduled to tip at 7PM at Owosso High School.