Aubrey Johnson and Gretel Johnson combined to score 25 points as the Miners led just 27-26 in the latter stages of the third quarter.

“This was another hard fought win for us … which capped off a big week,” NHS head coach Mike O’Donnell said in an email detailing the result. “We definitely got pushed again, and were able to respond in a few tough moments.

“Ishpeming cut our lead to one (point) in the third quarter and we had an answer, outscoring them 17-4 to finish it out.

“I thought our defense was excellent all night. We are learning to play in tough situations and how to close out games. Hopefully that can benefit us as we approach March.”

Negaunee’s Madison Pekrul, left, and Ishpeming’s Jenessa Eagle go after a loose ball during their high school girls basketball game played at Lakeview Memorial Gymnasium in Negaunee on Friday. (Photo courtesy Cara Kamps)

Aubrey Johnson led all scorers with 14 points, including a pair of 3-pointers and a 4-for-4 performance at the free throw line, while Gretel Johnson added 11 points, making a triple while also going a perfect 2 for 2 on free throws.

Despite those impressive scoring performances, the pair combined for just three points in the fourth quarter, a period that saw the Miners turn a tenuous 30-26 lead into their 14-point victory.

Instead, in the fourth quarter Negaunee’s Clare O’Donnell scored four of her seven points, Madison Pekrul four of her six points and Keira Waterman three of her six points.

“I liked that we got scoring from a lot of different places tonight, something that we didn’t have Tuesday,” Mike O’Donnell said after the Miners had to hang on for a 37-31 home victory over Calumet three nights earlier.

All the various Negaunee scoring efforts offset a 13-point night by the Hematites’ Jenessa Eagle, who made a trio of triples and 2 of 3 free throws.

The Miners led 15-7 after one quarter and 23-16 at halftime before Ishpeming closed the gap in the third, a quarter when Eagle made all three of her 3-pointers.

He also had to be pleased with the good rebounding as Clare O’Donnell with 11 and Waterman with 10 led the Miners.

Negaunee, which improved to 17-0 and held its unanimous position as the No. 1 team in the Upper Peninsula, hosts Gwinn at 6:30 p.m. today, then travels to Marquette at 7:15 p.m. Friday.

Ishpeming (10-5) hosts Escanaba at 7:15 p.m. Thursday, then travels to U.P.-ranked Munising at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Story contents based on an email from Negaunee varsity girls basketball head coach Mike O’Donnell detailing the game. Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee’s email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.