Gilman gets by pesky Granton

GILMAN GIRLS BASKETBALL

The Gilman Pirates weren’t at their best Friday, but they were good enough to outscore an improved Granton team 41-34 on the Bulldogs’ home floor.

The Pirates outscored Granton by five from the free throw line and by six from the 3-point line to create enough offense to improve to 4-5 in the Eastern Cloverbelt Conference. The Bulldogs, who ended a years-long losing streak with two wins over Owen-Withee this season, fell to 2-6 in league play and 2-9 overall.

“We were a little off on Friday against Granton and had a slow start,” Gilman head coach Tammy Weir said. “I don’t know why that happens to us, but we held it together and were able to get everyone out on the court with some minutes.”

Despite the slow start, Gilman was eventually able to create some distance and build a 23-15 halftime lead. Granton didn’t fold and stayed within range in the second range, but couldn’t overtake the Pirates.

Tatum Weir came up a rebound short of a double-double with 17 points and nine rebounds, while Madisyn James hit four of seven 3-point shots to finish with a season-high 14 points. Emma Grunseth pulled down 14 of Gilman’s 37 rebounds and added five points. The Pirates outrebounded the Bulldogs 37-29.

Katelynn Schmitt led Gilman with five steals and added a basket. Hannah Vick also had a hoop and grabbed six rebounds. Kya Dietzler chipped in with a free throw and four rebounds.

Weir led the team in assists with three, while Vick, Dietzler and James had two each. James had three steals and Grunseth had two. Weir blocked two shots. Grunseth and Vick each rejected one. Addy Hopkins had two rebounds, an assist and a steal off the bench.

The Pirates were five for 14 from 3-point range and 15 for 56 overall from the field. Granton was 15 for 47, including three for 16 from behind the arc. Gilman shot 19 free throws compared to Granton’s six. The Pirates only made six, but Granton only made one.

Gilman improved to 5-5 overall on Tuesday with a 46-21 non-conference win at Rib Lake. The Pirates will continue to push through Eastern Cloverbelt play with a home game tonight, Thursday, against Columbus Catholic and a road game at 1 p.m. Saturday in Spencer. Tuesday’s game with Owen-Withee was canceled and has been replaced by a non-conference visit from Wittenberg-Birnamwood, who is coached by Gilman alum Nick Mechelke. Game time is 6 p.m.