The game opened with TC West applying defensive pressure, forcing several steals that led to transition points. The Titans built an early lead, finishing the first quarter up 17-5. Alpena responded in the second quarter, capitalizing on TC West’s fouls and frequently reaching the free-throw line. The halftime score was 26-17 in favor of TC West.

“Offensively when I was able to get possession and get a good shot up, they were fouling me 90% of the time and the refs did a great job calling it,” Alpena’s Kiera Prue said. “My team did a great job getting me the ball and we hustled hard the whole game.”

Alpena focused on rebounding in the second half, securing multiple second-chance opportunities. Prue led the team in scoring with 26 points, showing consistency in attacking the basket.

Faith Dragiewicz added 10 points, while Natalie Maychen contributed nine. Reaghan Fitzpatrick also added four points. Alpena outscored TC West in the third quarter, narrowing the deficit to 44-33 heading into the final quarter.

News Photo by Leslianne Johns Madalynn Wiedbrauk attempts to make the shot in a game against Traverse City West on Monday.

“Rebounding has been one of our strong suits all year; We out-rebound nearly every team we play, and tonight was no different,” Prue said. “With all the offensive rebounds we got we were able to get a lot of put-backs and get to the free-throw line a lot more, and with all the defensive rebounds we were able to push it up the floor and create more open shots.”

Traverse City West committed 17 fouls throughout the game, including four in the first quarter, three in the second, five in the third, and five in the fourth. Alpena took advantage of these fouls by frequently getting to the free-throw line. Alpena, on the other hand, played a more disciplined defensive game, committing only nine fouls — two in the first quarter, two in the second, two in the third, and three in the fourth.

“Free throws were so important for getting us back in the game in the second half,” Prue said. “Our coach knew we were faster and stronger than this team and knew we could get to the basket and get fouled nearly every possession, so that’s what we did.”

Despite Alpena’s efforts to cut the lead, TC West maintained their advantage by executing key defensive stops and converting scoring opportunities in transition. Alpena kept the game within reach, trailing by about 10 points in each quarter but was unable to complete the comeback.

“This team has grown so, so much over the past season,” Prue said. “We have gotten stronger, faster, and smarter and found our rhythm. We’ve learned to move the ball better on offense and become much better at shooting the ball outside while still creating scoring options in the paint. I think the thing we improved on the most is the effort we put in. Every game no matter the score we pushed our hardest to the very end, and it made us that much better.”

News Photo by Leslianne Johns Natalie Maychen makes a two-pointer in the fourth quarter of Monday night’s game in Alpena. The Wildcats played TC West and lost in the playoff opener.

The Wildcats’ playoff run ended with this game.