Cassie Olson scored 18 points to lead Kingsford, who improved to 6-2 overall and 3-1 in the GNC. Menominee dropped to 8-3 overall and 2-1 in the conference.

“We talked before the game about defense being the key to winning,” said Kingsford coach Mike Cross. “Ultimately, it was. We held them to 13 points in the first half. All of our girls played very well on the defensive side of the ball.”

Alyvia Kowalski added 16 points, including a pair of 3-pointers that fueled Kingsford’s second-quarter blitz. Aubrie Moore finished with 14 points.

“Alyvia Kowalski once again stepped up,” Cross said. “She’s played exceptionally well the last two games. They put a lot of pressure on Aubrie tonight. She still did a great job running our offense and distributing the ball.” 

Kingsford senior Cassie Olson (34) works the baseline for a score as Menominee's Gianna Coduti (11) defends Thursday.

Most of Olson’s scoring came off the glass in the paint, and Cross credited her defense as well.

“She’s played well this year,” he said. “She’s defending really well and is a huge threat to score.”

Moore, Kowalski, Avery Edwards and Madalyn Sleik sank free throws in the fourth quarter to thwart a Menominee rally. The Flivvers had led 29-13 at the break.

“I think we got tired in the second half,” Cross said. “Still, we were able to close it out. Loved how we played tonight and grew as a team,” he added.

Lori Marineau led Menominee with 17 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter.

“Menominee is a really good team,” Cross said. “We are very happy to get a win. Lucas (Chouinard) has done a great job with their program.” 

The Flivvers are at North Dickinson on Monday.

Menominee 11 2 10 18 — 41

Kingsford 13 16 11 12 — 53

MENOMINEE: Linsmeier 9, Coduti 11, Ri. Milostan 2, Ry. Milostan 2, Marineau 17. FT: 11-11. 3-point FG: Linsmeier 3, Marineau 2.

KINGSFORD: Moore 14, Kowalski 16, Edwards 1, Sleik 4, Olson 18. FT: 14-18. 3-point FG: Moore, Kowalski 2.