(Matt McCarthy/Daily News photo) West Iron senior Jordan Shamion (21) pulls down a rebound as she’s swarmed by Iron Mountain’s Anja Kleiman, left, and Annslee Runsat, in an MHSAA Division 3 district semifinal basketball game Wednesday at Iron Mountain. The Wykons won 37-26.

IRON MOUNTAIN — A 14-point game from senior Tori Bociek, and 10 points from fellow senior Jordan Shamion, steered West Iron past Iron Mountain 37-26 in an MHSAA Division 3 girls basketball game Wednesday at the Mountaineer Gymnasium.

It was a defensive battle, with both teams unable to find much rhythm.

“I told the girls before the game that this would be a hard-fought basketball game, and it was,” said West Iron head coach Eric Shamion. “Give Iron Mountain credit, their girls played defense really well, and limited us in both transition and half court sets.”

Offensively, Iron Mountain struggled most of the game, as well as from the free throw line. Their shots simply weren’t falling.

Still, the Mountaineers trailed just 27-23 entering the fourth quarter.

“Normally we switch between a zone and man-to-man defense, but we stayed in man-to-man for most of the game,” said Iron Mountain head coach Karen Ellis. “I am very pleased with how hard we worked on defense, especially holding Danica Shamion scoreless tonight.”

The Wykon freshman netted 20 points in the last meeting between the teams.

“Our shots weren’t bad shots, they simply were not going in,” Ellis added.

Iron Mountain, who finishes the season 4-13, says goodbye to seniors Andie Ellis, Claire Mongrain and Chloe Bianco.

“I am sure that I am going to miss these seniors. They are dedicated to this team and have led the team. This season was a rollercoaster ride for all of us and they kept us going,” Ellis said.

West Iron’s patience wore down the Iron Mountain defense in the fourth quarter.

“Also, the girls buckled down and worked harder on defense in the fourth quarter,” Shamion said. “All season, free throws have been a problem, but tonight the girls’ free throw shooting was the difference in the game, to go along with our strong defense.”

The Wykons improved to 10-8 on the season and will travel to undefeated Menominee on Friday night to play for the district championship. The Maroons finished the regular season ranked No. 1 in the final Upper Peninsula Sportswriters and Sportscasters poll.

“When we start the season, our goal is always to play for a district championship, Shamion said. “We’re fortunate this year to be able to play for one, and I am proud of the two games we’ve won in the tournament this week. Menominee is a talented team. We played them very tight for a half earlier in the season, but they had a huge second half and beat us handily,” he added.

The Maroons defeated West Iron 63-37 on March 2 at Menominee. Tip-off on Friday night is scheduled for 6 p.m.

West Iron 11 7 9 10 — 37

Iron Mtn 7 10 6 3 — 26

WEST IRON: Mazurek 4, T. Bociek 14, J. Shamion 10, Kolenda 9; FT: 13-20; F: 12; Fouled Out: None; 3-point FG: T. Bociek 2.

IRON MTN: Mongrain 5, E. Ellis 3, Runsat 8, Ca. Bianco 3, Powell 2, Ch. Bianco 3; Maycroft 2; FT: 4-10; Fouled Out: None; 3-point FG: Ca. Bianco, Ch. Bianco, Runsat, E. Ellis.