The night kicked off celebrating the team’s four seniors, Payton Pleaugh, Claire Maskart, Brianna Anderson and Aubree Blackburn.

“It’s always kind of an odd energy — you’re really excited for the seniors, but it’s also kind of a different deal,” Marquette head coach Ben Smith said after his team improved to 9-13 with its second straight win. “They came out and played really well. I thought it was a team effort, very similar to what we had going in Houghton.

“If we want to do anything next week in the districts (MHSAA Division 1 tournament), we have to make sure we all come ready to play and do our jobs.”

The Sentinels set the tone early, jumping out to a 13-7 lead after one quarter. Marquette’s defense made things difficult for Escanaba (9-12), forcing tough shots and capitalizing on the Eskymos’ struggles at the free throw line.

Marquette Senior High School girls basketball coach Ben Smith is flanked by the Sentinels’ four seniors, from left, Payton Pleaugh, Claire Maskart, Brianna Anderson and Aubree Blackburn, before Marquette’s final home game of the season against Escanaba at the Barb Crill Gymnasium in Marquette on Tuesday. The recognition ceremony included a heartfelt video. (Journal photo by Caden Sierra)

Blackburn, who led all scorers with 15 points, was active early, scoring key baskets, while Pleaugh and Maskart helped MSHS build separation.

Marquette kept its foot on the gas in the second quarter, outscoring Escanaba 23-6 to take a 36-13 lead at halftime. The Sentinels pushed the tempo, finding open looks in transition, while their defense continued to stall the Eskymos.

Blackburn buried a 3-pointer late in the first half to extend the lead, while Addison Kramer hit a tough jumper just before the break. Alexis Curran and Kyna Berry also contributed key plays, with Curran finishing the game with nine points.

Marquette’s good play continued in the third, with Curran and Berry making plays on both ends of the floor. The Sentinels’ defense remained locked in, limiting Escanaba’s scoring opportunities and forcing turnovers.

Katey Lamb tried to keep Escanaba in the game, leading the Eskymos with 11 points, but Marquette’s good all-around game proved too much. With the Sentinels up 57-29 heading into the final period, the game was all but decided.

The fourth quarter saw Marquette put the finishing touches on its top offensive performance of the season. Anderson grabbed a key offensive rebound and put it back for two, while Pleaugh drilled a 3-pointer to push the Sentinels past their previous season-high of 65 points. Anderson added another late basket to cap the night off.

“Obviously, making shots helps, but playing good defense and getting the ball up the floor in transition to get cleaner looks before their backs are set on defense — that was big for us tonight,” Smith said. “Hopefully, we can carry that over on Monday when Gaylord comes up here for the districts.”

With the regular season done, Marquette focuses on its Division 1 district opener at home against Gaylord at 6 p.m. Monday.

Escanaba is also at home at 6 p.m. Monday for its Division 2 district opener against Kingsford.

Caden Sierra can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 551. His email address is csierra@nmu.edu.