Frankenmuth girls basketball defeats Swan Valley in regional final

FRANKENMUTH, MI – If the celebration lasted a bit longer than expected, it’s probably because the wait was a bit longer than expected.

Frankenmuth defeated Swan Valley, 42-28, to claim a Division 2 girls basketball regional title Thursday at Frankenmuth, giving the Eagles their first regional championship since 1996.

“It’s been 26 years, so that was definitely a motivating factor,” Frankenmuth coach Joe Jacobs said. “We’ve been in a lot of regionals, and we’ve lost some close games to some very good teams. I feel great for these seniors who have been disappointed the last couple of years.”

MORE: For upcoming games, fans can stream by clicking on the NFHS digital network link.

Frankenmuth takes a 22-2 record to the Division 2 quarterfinal at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Cadillac High School against 19-5 Ludington, which beat Negaunee, 34-31, to win a regional title.

“Winning a regional was definitely something we talked about, something that motivated us,” Frankenmuth senior Emma Kerkau said. “We’ve been so close, ever since my freshman year. To do this after being close and to do it as seniors and to do it in our last game on this court … it’s a great feeling.”

Kerkau is a four-year starter and member of four district champions, but the Eagles lost in her freshman season in the regional to Central Montcalm, 56-34. They reached the regional final in 2020 and were about to play Freeland for the championship before the Michigan High School Athletic Association and Covid canceled the season hours before the game.

Last season, Frankenmuth lost a 53-49 decision to eventual state champion Portland in the regional final.

“That was our focus, moreso than who we were playing,” Jacobs said. “But the reality is it’s March. Things happen. You just want to advance. I’m happy for the kids and for everybody connected to the program. It’s been 26 years, so we’re understandably excited.”

Swan Valley did not make it easy. The Vikings finished the season with a 19-5 record, with three of the losses to Frankenmuth. During the season, Frankenmuth beat Swan Valley, 42-30 and 65-37. But Frankenmuth could not pull away Thursday until the fourth quarter, taking a 9-8 lead after one quarter and a 21-17 lead at halftime.

“We wanted to be patient and run our offense until we got the looks we wanted,” Swan Valley coach Reyna Luplow said. “Their defense is very good. They’re very long. So we wanted to value each possession.

“We did get what we wanted. The shots just didn’t fall for us.”

The Vikings return all but three seniors – Hannah Murphy, Kayla Baase and Hailey Sobol.

“I’m so proud of our seniors and how much their contributions have meant to the program,” Luplow said. “The season was more than you could have dreamed of. It was a magical season.”

Frankenmuth’s defense held Swan Valley to a pair of 3-pointers by Sydney Kuhn in the third quarter and then five points from Rachel Resio in the fourth quarter, outscoring Swan Valley, 21-11, in the second half.

“They were patient and deliberate on offense, and I don’t blame them,” Jacobs said. “I can’t be more pleased with holding them to 28 points, but I’m not really thrilled with the 42 we scored.

“At halftime, the one thing we changed was to attack the basket more. In the first half, it seemed we would have one person take a shot and the other four girls would be watching. We did a better job of getting to the basket in the second half and to the free-throw line.”

The Eagles took advantage, making 7 of 7 from the line in the second half.

Kerkau and sophomore Mia McLaughlin led the Eagles with 13 points each, with McLaughlin also grabbing eight rebounds. Zoey Persails followed with six points and eight rebounds.

Resio led the Vikings with 12 points, with Kuhn adding eight points.

“We get a two-hour drive to Cadillac, but I think the girls are excited,” Jacobs said. “I promised them that we wouldn’t have to take the school bus if we made it. So we’re getting a charter.

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