ISHPEMING — Mariah Austin led the Hematites with 17 points as the Hematites beat Kingsford 54-36 on Thursday.

“Tonight we played our best defense in a few games,” Ishpeming coach Ryan Reichel said. “This is a good sign moving toward district (tournament) time.

“I as a coach couldn’t be more proud of having five senior on Senior Night start and play as good as they did.”

Senior Madigan Johns added 14 points and 10 rebounds, while junior Madison Pruett scored 11 and senior Chloe Sjoholm put in eight.

Another senior, Mariah Bertucci, contributed seven rebounds, while yet another senior, Katie Loman, made six steals.

Kignsford was paced by Renee Roberts with 13 points.

Ishpeming also won the JV game.

The Hematites host the Class C district starting Wednesday and will open against Gwinn.

Kingsford hosts Gladstone in the Class B District 64 tournament on Monday.