The MMCRU dream season came to an end with a tough loss in the Class 1A State Championship game by a score of 52-49.
The loss stings for everyone at MMCRU. The Royals became only the second team from Plymouth or Cherokee counties to play in a girls state basketball championship game. Win or loss, Emily Dreckman says it was a joy to get this far.
Garrigan led by as much 13 midway through the game and led by 12 midway through the fourth quarter. That’s when the Royals scored 12-in-a-row and tied the game with under three minutes to go. Coach Letsche says that her team showed a lot of fight in that moment.
Dreckman, who scored 10 points in the loss, says her team has come back from farther down in the past and needed some motivation to do the same in the championship game.
Coach Letsche has been praising her defense in every game at the state tournament this week. She praised them again after the championship especially highlighting their holding Audi Crooks eight points below her average.
Mya Holmes was one of the leading scorers for the Royals. She scored 11 points while hitting three three-point field goals in the game. Coach Letsche says that she came up in a big spot when her name was called.
Taylor Harpenau contributed 11 points to the cause as well. The senior came up with some crucial shots throughout the game that kept the Royals within striking distance. She will not be playing basketball in college, and she says that knowing this would be her last game drove her to give her all.
The senior class is one who will be sorely missed by the communities of Marcus, Meriden, Cleghorn, Remsen, and Union Township. Coach Letsche says that her pride for this graduating group is unmatched.
Taylor Harpenau had similar feelings speaking about her relationship with the core three including Emily Dreckman and Ellie Hilbrands.
The Royals magical season comes to an end with a state runner-up trophy and a record of 25-2.
Bishop Garrigan claims their first girls basketball title in school history.
