Justine Hatfield The Pickford Panthers completed the year with a 19-5 overall record, won the Eastern Upper Peninsula Conference with a perfect 8-0 mark, and captured the district title, but the Panthers’ Cinderella season came to an end as the Johannesburg-Lewiston Cardinals posted a 72-49 decision in the Class D regional championship game Thursday, March 11, at LaSalle High School in St. Ignace. The Panthers are led by first-year coach Paul Griffin.

"The girls never quit. I am very proud of them," said Coach Griffin. "Jo-Burg is a strong team with two very talented players in Mary Schlicher and Stephanie Fisher. We had a great year and we are looking forward to next season. We are disappointed about losing seniors Callie Smith, Jenna Ledy, Abby Rose, and Amanda Felty."

The Panthers stayed within striking distance of the Cardinals until late in the third quarter.

Leading 39-33, the Cardinals closed out the third quarter with a 10-0 run for a 49-33 advantage.

Jenna Ledy Johannesburg-Lewiston continued to increase their lead with a 27- 2 run to open the fourth quarter for a 66-35 margin before Pickford held a 14-6-scoring edge down the stretch.

The Cardinals led 18-12 after the first eight minutes and held a 14-13 scoring edge in the second quarter for a 32-25 halftime lead.

Pickford cut the Cardinals lead to 39-33 with an 8-7 margin early in the third quarter before the Johannesburg Lewiston offensive run.

Panthers statistics: Justine Hatfield, 20 points; Kristen Cline, 12 points; Jenna Ledy, nine points; Callie Smith, five points; Melissa Stevenson, two points; Kelcie Brown, one point.

Pickford Uses Second-quarter

Offensive Run To Down Posen

The Pickford Panthers used a 13- 0 run to end the first half en route to a 66-51 win over the Posen Vikings during the Class D regionals at LaSalle High School in St. Ignace Tuesday, March 9.

The Panthers, making their first regional appearance since 2004, opened the first eight minutes with an 18-7 lead before the Vikings cut the Pickford lead to two points early in the second quarter.

Pickford led 33-23 before outscoring the Vikings 13-0 to take a 46- 23-halftime advantage and extended the lead to 57-31 after three quarters. Posen completed the match-up with a 20-9 run in the final eight minutes.

In the first Class D semifinal regional, Johannesburg-Lewiston, 21-2 on the season, defeated Pellston 54-25.

Three Panthers scored in double figures and eight players answered for Pickford.

Panthers statistics: Justine Hatfield, 18 points; Kristen Cline, 17 points; Jenna Ledy, 14 points; Olivia Smith, Kelcie Brown, and Melissa Stevenson, five points; Callie Smith and Abbie Andrzejak, two points.