The Patriots celebrated the 20th anniversary of their 2003 girls basketball state championship while playing a game on that same afternoon against Manistique.

Several players, coaches and other members of the 2003 championship squad were on hand to witness that day’s game.

A large crowd was on hand for the ceremony, which took place between the JV and varsity games.

The big 43-4 win posted by Westwood’s JV team on Saturday seemed fitting, as the 2003 team led by coach Tom Hammar won a decisive 62-27 victory against its Class C state championship game opponent Michigan Center.

Westwood's Megan Marta makes a pass while being defended by Manistique's Aly Petrelius in the third quarter of their high school girls basketball game played at the Patriots' gym on Saturday afternoon. Looking on is Westwood's Samantha Ruby. (Photo courtesy Daryl T. Jarvinen)

“Westwood High School opened its doors in 1974, and in the 49 years that have passed since, we’ve seen our share of success on the athletic courts and fields,” NICE Schools athletic director Jake Skewis said.

“However, we’ve only had one team that has earned the distinction of a state champion.”

An emotional Hammar was on hand for the ceremony.

“I coached for 39 years in basketball and I loved every minute of it,” he said. “This group of young ladies was just a dream come true.

“Not only were they good, I mean great, basketball players, they were outstanding students and outstanding people. It was my privilege to be their coach.”

Westwood’s Makayla Fisher vies with Manistique’s Maya Carlson for the jump ball at the start of their high school girls basketball game played Saturday afternoon in the Patriots’ gym in Ishpeming. (Photos courtesy Daryl T. Jarvinen)

The success of a previous generation seemed to inspire the Westwood varsity squad, too, which comfortably beat Manistique 66-41, bringing the Patriots’ record to 2-1.

WHS led 36-20 and senior Megan Marta led all scorers with what was believed to be more than 30 points.

Randy Crouch can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 542. His email address is rcrouch@miningjournal.net.