Lakers Boys Fall to Panthers in Class D District Tourney
By David Latva

Mackinac Island fell to Pickford 67-60 in the Class D district semifinals held on the Panthers home court Monday, February 25.

The Lakers prepared for the tournaments this year with high expectations after completing the regular season with a perfect 18-0 record and the championship in the Northern Lights League, but during the final weekend series against Beaver Island, Robert Chambers broke his hand.

"Not having Robert was a big blow to our game plan," said Lakers coach Jim Fisher. "We as a team felt that this could have been the year that Mackinac Island could win their first district game in school history."

McKinley Portice was a one-man wrecking crew for Pickford as the sophomore scored 35 points.

"Portice hurt us on the outside and inside. He was the difference," added Mr. Fisher.

Mackinac Island opened the contest with a 15-6 lead after the first eight minutes and maintained a 27-23-halftime advantage despite Pickford holding a 17-12 margin in the second quarter.

The turning point came in the third quarter as the Panthers outscored the Lakers 21-12 to take a 44-39 lead into the final period and completed the district matchup with a 23-21- scoring edge in the fourth quarter.

Lakers statistics: Woody Beardsley, 21 points; Tyler Mc- Lean, 14 points; Riley Chaffee, 12 points; Michael Gamble, 11 points; Paul Fisher, two points.

Panthers statistics: McKinley Portice, 35 points; Dylan Rye, 12 points; Mickael Cantin, nine points; Jamie Nettleton, five points; Paul Walsh, four points; Pat Savoie, two points.

No Districts Competition

for Mackinac Island Girls

Mackinac Island girls didn't compete in the district tournament this season.

"We are a very young program and felt one year under our belt would help for next season," said Lakers coach Mary Patay.

Lakers Earn Post

Season Honors

Six Mackinac Island Lakers basketball players received post-season honors following the 2007-2008 season.

Woody Beardsley received All-Upper Peninsula honorable mention honors and was named to The St. Ignace News All- Area Top Ten/Second Team.

Receiving special mention from the Lakers were Marie Bunker and Morgan Brodeur- Bunker for the girls and Robert Chambers, Michael Gamble, and Tyler McLean for the boys.

Lakers To Join EUPC

For Spring Sports

Mackinac Island Lakers will join Cedarville, Pickford, DeTour, Engadine, and Brimley as members of the Eastern Upper Peninsula Conference for spring sports in golf and track and field.