Leland girls basketball (7-1, 6-0 NWC) defeated Glen Lake (3-7, 1-3 NWC) in a double overtime thriller Thursday, 45-40.
The Comets returned from being down 23-34 in the third quarter to force overtime and eventually win the game.
“Our girls showed a lot of resilience tonight. We were down 10 points early in the fourth quarter and continued to work hard and believe in ourselves. They believed in what they could accomplish and never lost focus. It was very impressive to see their level of resiliency, and they continued to fight back all game long. I could not be more proud of the effort,” Leland girls basketball coach Ryan Knudsen said.
With the win, Leland sits atop the Northwest Conference. The Comets were led by senior Elli Miller, who scored 15 points, nine rebounds, four steals, and three assists. Lorna Wiesen followed with 11 points, five rebounds, and four steals.
“I think we started off a little rough, but once we got in the second half, we knew that we needed to bring it to the court, so that’s what we did, and it ended up being two overtimes, but we were able to pull it together,” Miller said.
Leland senior Ella Knudsen also chipped in eight points, six rebounds, and two steals. Comet guards Lilly Connor, Ariah Amin and Addi Waskiewicz provided depth by combining for 14 points.
Leland rebounded after a 31-26 loss to Lake Leelanau St. Mary Tuesday.
“It feels good, but we definitely have a lot of stuff to work on and we have to get in the gym,” Miller said. “I love our team’s chemistry. It’s helped us through this season. We have great chemistry between all of us, and I think that helps with our play in the game as well.”
Glen Lake freshman Alayna Ottenbacher led Glen Lake with 13 points, Grace Noonan with seven points, and Jessie Pugh with nine steals.
“I was proud of my girls. They battled hard … Leland is a team that doesn’t beat itself, “ Glen Lake coach Brad Fosmore said.
The Lakers rebounded with a Saturday matinee against Mason County Central 55-47.
Glen Lake was led by Pugh with 24 points, five steals, followed by Fosmore with 12 points, 10 rebounds; Laila Shimek 8 points, 10 rebounds; Avery Flores 7 points.
As of press time, the Lakers will have battled Lake Leelanau St. Mary with a chance to knock off the Eagles.
