Midgettes zap Speedgirls 53-24

HURLEY — The Hurley girls basketball team came back from Christmas break in a big way, defeating Bessemer 53-24 on Tuesday night in Hurley.

The Midgettes started off with strong defense, outscoring Bessemer 13-0 in the first quarter and allowed only eight points at halftime.

“Our defensive intensity was solid tonight,” coach Steve Eder said. “We only committed nine fouls, which was big.”

Despite the early lead, Eder said his team played “sluggish and hesitant” throughout the game, something he was nervous about coming back from break.

“We played okay,” he said. “We finished the end of 2014 with a bit of a run, but then we had quite a few days off. I was nervous. ... Tonight we played a great team that was well coach and they made it difficult for us.”

Kirkie Pecotte led all scorers with 13 points for Hurley, while Natalie Moon added nine points. Whitney Trcka led Bessemer with eight points.

Bessemer hosts the Bayfield Trollers on Friday for a match-up at 7:15 p.m.

Hurley (6-2, 3-1 Indianhead Conference) hosts Mercer on Thursday at 7:15 p.m.

“It will be a good game against a good team,” Eder said. “We’re excited.”

Bessemer — Megan Peterson 2. Caitlyn Pelissero 3, Jazzmyn McGeshick 5, Rachel Mazurek 6, Whitney Trcka 8. FTs: 0/1. Fouls: 15. Fouled out: None. 3-pointers: Pelissero 1, McGeshick 1, Trcka 2.

Hurley — Gabbi Pecotte 4, Natalie Moon 9, Dani Irons 6, Brittany Czerneski 3, Kaylyn King 1, Tianne Kuula 2, Makayla Wolfe 6, Tori Colassaco 2, Reggie Kelly 1, Morgan Pinardi 2, Maria Swartz 3, Kirkie Pecotte 13, Paige Aho 1. FTs: 9/15. Fouls: 9. Fouled out: None. 3-pointers: Czarneski 1, K. Pecotte 1.

Bessemer 0 8 16 24

Hurley 13 29 46 53