Leland girls basketball has been on a historic tear after winning three games over the past week.
The Comets took out Onekama, Grand Traverse Academy, and Suttons Bay within a week to watch a Northwest Conference championship.
On Tuesday, Leland defeated GTA 43-11, Suttons Bay 47-11 Wednesday, and Onekama in a 46-44 2OT victory.
Leland is currently ranked 13th in the state, according to MHSAA. The Comets battle Buckley in a pivotal road conference game yesterday as of press time before taking on Glen Lake Friday and Lake Leelanau St. Mary Monday at home.
In a double overtime thriller Friday, Leland girls basketball defeated Onekama in a 46-44 defensive classic.
“Start to finish, our defensive intensity was fantastic,” Leland coach Ryan Knudsen said. “I could not be more proud of the effort and the resilience that our team showed throughout the game.”
Every other possession was more significant and prominent for both teams, and they showed up for the moment.
At the end of the first half, Leland led Onekama 16-12, but both teams struggled offensively. Leland went into the fourth quarter up 23-21 as Onekama gained momentum. After both teams had chances to end it in regulation, Leland and Onekama went into the first overtime tied 35-35.
“We had multiple players step up and make big plays throughout the game, whether it was a defensive stop or hitting a free throw and grabbing a rebound,” Knudsen said.
Oneakama had a 41-39 lead in the final minute of the first overtime before Addi Waskiewicz drilled two free throws to send it to double overtime. Leland would gain a 46-42 advantage in the final moments of the second overtime to seal the win.
The Comets (14-2, 9-1 Northwest Conference) remained tied atop the Northwest with Frankfort at 9-1 each.
Leland was led by Lorna Wiesen, who scored 19 points and had three assists. She was all over the court on the offensive and defensive ends and played a pivotal role in breaking Onekama’s vaunted press defense.
“I’m just so proud of the team tonight. I love this group of girls. We came together tonight and put it all out on the court,” Wiesen said. “I think our defense is what won the game. We had a couple of excellent runs there, and then on offense, we just worked together and looked for all the openings.”
Leland senior Elli Miller had 12 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. Ariah Amin chipped in six points and five rebounds, and Addi Waskiewicz scored four and nine rebounds. Leland senior Ella Knudsen had seven rebounds and three assists.
Onekama was led by Ava Mauntler with 14 points. The Portagers were all over the court, including junior Haley Hart.
The Portagers were shorthanded, with several players out due to illness and injury.
“We had a lot of grit in that game,” Onekama coach Tracy Bennett said. “This team has battled many injuries; they are an amazing group. Each night, players come off the bench and play their hardest.”
The Portagers completed a three-game week after beating Morley-Stanwood and Glen Lake Monday and Wednesday.
This is the second doubleovertime win for the Comets this season.
STATS versus GTA: Miller 17 points, 7 Rebounds, 6 Steals, 3 Assists; Knudsen 7 Points, 4 Assists, 4 Steals, 3 Rebounds; Wiesen 6 Points, 3 Steals; Alyssa Korson 4 Points, 4 Rebounds.
Leland defeated Suttons Bay 47-12 Wednesday.
“We played a strong allaround game on both sides of the court from start to finish against Suttons Bay and had great contributions from everyone on the team. Our main focus all season has been to continue to work hard every day in practice and improve, but the kids are also having fun in the process, and you can see the results on the court with their chemistry and teamwork,” coach Knudsen said.
STATS: Miller 16 points, 7 steals; Knudsen 5 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals; Sluiter 5 points, 8 rebounds; Lilly Connor 5 points, 4 rebounds; Ingrid Packiorka 4 points, 3 rebounds; Elyse Atha 4 points.
