Calumet players pose for a photo at Newberry High School after winning the MHSAA Division 3 regional championship on Wednesday. (Escanaba Daily Press photo by Adam Hinch)

NEWBERRY — A strong defensive team effort and three players scoring in double figures led the Calumet High School girls basketball team to a 64-39 victory over Manton in the regional championship game in MHSAA Division 3 at Newberry High School on Wednesday evening.

The Copper Kings wasted no time after the opening tip as junior Kiirsi Johnson made back-to-back layups and sophomore Bailey Strom split a pair of free throws as Calumet led 5-0.

Manton fought back as senior Adriana Sackett hit a 3-pointer. Moments later freshman Liian Chittle drove through the lane for an underhand layup to cut the deficit to 8-7.

Late in the first stanza, Strom connected on a midrange jumper. Moments later, off a Manton turnover Strom went to the basket for a layup and the Copper Kings led 15-9 after one quarter.

The second period belonged to Calumet as it outscored Manton 24-13. Johnson hit a pair of 3-pointers and had 12 of her 17 points in the quarter as Calumet took a 39-22 lead into halftime.

“We made strong moves to the basket and drew fouls,” Strom said. “We pressured the ball on defense and got turnovers, then converted on the other end.”

The Copper Kings picked up right where they left off to start the third quarter as Strom drove to the basket for a layup. Then off a Manton turnover, Strom pulled up and knocked down a midrange jumper to extend the CHS lead to 43-22.

“The kids played very well tonight,” Calumet coach Charlie Kemppainen said. “They were poised when they needed to be. We knocked down a lot of shots and our defense was really good.

“Hiller is a good player and she didn’t really get going til the fourth quarter.”

The Copper Kings forced 29 turnovers and grabbed 48 rebounds in the contest.

Calumet faces Sanford-Meridian in a Division 3 quarterfinal matchup at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Manistique High School.