Grayling ends season with playoff loss vs. Kalkaska

The varsity girls basketball team from Grayling High School ended its 2016-2017 season with a playoff loss vs. the Kalkaska Blazers on Thursday night.

The contest – a District 63-B tournament semifinal game hosted by Grayling High School – was originally scheduled for Wednesday night, but the contest had to be postponed due to severe winter weather conditions.

The Blazers – Lake Michigan Conference co-champions this year – were dominant early in Thursday’s district, outscoring Grayling 22-0 in the first period.

With six minutes left in the second quarter, Kalkaska had a 32-0 lead.

The Vikings scored 14 points in the last six minutes of the period with two jump shots by Molly Leslie, a three-pointer by Natalie Amy, two baskets by Madison Longendyke, a put-back by Esa Powers, and one free throw from Powers.

At halftime, the Blazers led 40-14.

Kalkaska led 47-18 after three quarters of play, and the Blazers won by a final score of 56-23.

Grayling scored nine points in the second half with two free throws from Amy, a jumper by Allie Moffit, a three-pointer by Amy, and a lay-up by Jackie Denton.

The loss ended Grayling’s season. The Vikings finished the year at 3-18 overall (2-12 league, 0-1 playoff).

Kalkaska improved to 18-3 overall (13-1 league, 2-0 playoff) with the victory. On Friday night, the Blazers defeated the Kingsley Stags 57-48 in the district finals – a contest hosted by Grayling High School – to win the District 63-B championship. Kalkaska advances to the Region 16-B tournament.