Brandywine girls fall to Schoocraft in Regional thriller
BRIDGMAN, Mich. - A dream season for Brandywine girls basketball came to an end Thursday night against one of the top Class C teams in Michigan.
The Lady Cats fell 50-43 to Schoolcraft, as several game-tying or go-ahead shots couldn't find the bottom of the net.
"You play an undefeated team top team and you're right there with them with about four shots to take the lead, we got everything we wanted from our kids."
Brandywine finishes the season with a 22-3 record. The Lady Cats made the regional round for the seventh time in the last nine seasons, continuing to carry a tradition for the program.
"This group making a Regional Final, they represented our school and our program with class," said Hood. "It hurts tonight. Unfortunately, only one team can win the last game of the year."
Nicole Sachman led the Bobcats with 15 points, and Kennedy Byrd added 12. While those final shots went off the mark, Hood says Thursday's result only scratches the surface of what the players mean to their community.
"They epitomize what it means to be student-athletes," he said. "[They have] a 3.6 GPA, raised a lot of money for good causes like cancer, and they represent this community in a positive way. I'm proud to be their coach."
With the loss, it was the final game for seniors Alexia Martinez and Melanie Martinez. However, Brandywine hopes it's just the start for this talented roster.
"This is a young group," said Hood. "I'm really proud of our two seniors. They did a phenomenal job all year long and we'll miss them a lot. This young core got a taste of it this year and I hope they're hungry in the offseason."
In the Class B regional at Hopkins, Edwardsburg also saw its season come to an end. The Eddies suffered their first loss of the season, falling to Hamilton 43-26.