Despite a 72-45 loss to one of the best teams in the Upper Peninsula, Lake Linden-Hubbell Lakes coach Jack Kumpula was pleased with his boys team’s performance against the Calumet Copper Kings. In short, he said it was a well-played basketball game, and the better team won.

“They are a really good team,” said Kumpula. “We did some good things on offense, which was good to see. I thought our offense came alive.”

Lake Linden’s Carter Crouch gave the Lakes their only lead of the game after he grabbed the opening tip and dribble in for a layup. The Copper Kings employed a full-court press which rattled the Lakes somewhat. Calumet also dominated the boards at both ends, moving out to a 25-10 lead after eight minutes.

Particularly hot from the field was Travis Ojala who poured in 17 points and Elijah McParlan who led with 19.

The second was more of the same as Calumet beat the Lakes with their quickness and speed. Lake Linden was stuck at 10 points for more than half of the second period.

Crouch hit a jumper at 3:25 that drove the Lakes to pick up some momentum. Crouch led the scoring for the Lakes with 17.

At half, the score was 38-17 in favor of Calumet.

“We had good energy tonight,” said Calumet coach Mike Ojala. “I thought we moved the ball well against the zone. Our guys found open guys and made good passes.”

They pushed the lead to 56-29 after three with good shooting and rebounding. The fourth quarter was the Lakes’ best as they scored 16.

The Copper Kings won the WestPAC Conference with a record of 16-4. They will play the winner of the L’Anse/Norway game on Wednesday.

The Lakes ended their season at 7-12 and will face Chassell in the first round of tournament play on Monday.

Calumet 25 13 18 16 – 72

Lake Linden-Hubbell 10 7 12 16 – 45

CLK: Bra. Antilla 2, Haapala 2, M. Ojala 6, Bre. Antilla 3, T. Ojala 17, McParlan 19, Twardzik 2, Torola 4, Issacson 5, Ekdahl 12; Fouls: 13; Fouled out: none; 3-point field goals: Bre. Antilla 1

LLH: Wickstrom-Huuki 3, Crouch 17, Lyons 7, Ca. Gregoire 10, Wilson 5, Huuki 3; Fouls: 7; Fouled out: none; 3-point field goals: Crouch 2, Huuki 1