High‑School Hoops Highlights: Wins, Shutouts and Big Runs

In the Bay City area, girls’ basketball teams are making headlines with a mix of close battles and dominant performances. A standout moment came when Beaverton faced off against No. 8 Hemlock, a game that kept both teams on their toes until the final seconds. Beaverton started strong but fell behind early, trailing 15‑8 before narrowing the gap to 24‑21 by halftime. They stayed within five points through three quarters, but Hemlock’s Sage LeVigne sealed the win with a clutch free‑throw run. The game finished 50‑45 in favor of Hemlock, leaving Beaverton to regroup for future matchups. Another game showed the power of defense when Tawas Area shut out St. Helen Charlton Heston 45‑0. The Braves’ tight defense forced Heston into difficult shots and prevented any scoring, a rare feat that highlighted Tawas’s defensive growth. Meanwhile, Cass City exploded for its highest‑scoring game of the season, outpacing Genesee 71‑32. The team’s two standout players posted double‑doubles, showing how strong individual performances can lift a whole squad.Oscoda and Houghton Lake also delivered impressive wins. Oscoda’s Luella Whipkey scored a career‑high 27 points, driving the Owls to a convincing 69‑24 victory over Whittemore‑Prescott. Houghton Lake’s late‑game surge, with five three‑pointers in the final quarter, turned a close contest into a 42‑26 triumph over Ogemaw Heights. These games illustrate how momentum can shift quickly in high school hoops. Across the league, some teams are finding their rhythm while others struggle to stay competitive. Bay City Central managed a closer score against Midland Dow, showing improvement despite a heavy loss earlier in the season. Meanwhile, teams like St. Helen Charlton Heston and Whittemore‑Prescott face challenges that will test their resilience in upcoming games. The schedule for the next few days is packed, with multiple boys’ and girls’ matchups across the region. Coaches and players alike will look to build on these performances, aiming for stronger defenses, sharper shooting, and better teamwork as the season progresses.