The Leland girls basketball team ended a remarkable 202425 season as the Comets fell in the district final against Frankfort 39-15 Friday.
“Even though it was not the outcome that we wanted, I was extremely proud of the effort our team put in tonight and the entire season,” Leland coach Ryan Knudsen said. “We had an amazing season and our team worked hard everyday to not only improve, but had a lot of fun in the process. Our seniors Elyse Atha, Ella Knudsen, Alyssa Korson, Elli Miller and Kally Sluiter are going to be greatly missed, but they established a blueprint this season for our underclassmen to continue to follow to be able to have a bright future moving forward.”
Leland junior Lorna Wiesen led the Comets with eight points, while senior Elli Miller had five rebounds and four steals.
Frankfort scored as many points in the first half as the first two games between the Panthers and Comets, going into halftime up 26-8.
The Panthers were led by senior Savina Anhalt with 10 points, five rebounds and four steals.
The Comets finished the season with a 17-6 overall record and finished third in the Northwest Conference.
Leland earned a trip to the district finals after defeating Lake Leelanau St. Mary 32-23 in the district semifinal.
“We had a challenging regular season in the Northwest Conference with difficult games day-in day-out,” Leland coach Knudsen said. “It helped prepare us for games like this in the postseason. I’m just really proud of the kids’ effort all night. Our message all season is the most important game of the season is the next game.”
Leland senior Ella Knudsen led with 11 points and six rebounds against St. Mary. Addie Waskiewicz was all over the court with eight points, five rebounds, and three steals. Leland senior Elli Miller had four points, four steaks, and three assists, while Ariah Amin had five rebounds in the win.
“We’re a team who’s always there for each other ... We put our best effort on the court every game and focus on each play,” Ella Knudsen said. “It would be cool (to win a district championship). I love this group of girls. They’re like a family to me, and just being with them every day is a treat in itself.”
Leland and St. Mary went on runs, but the Comets held off an Eagle fourth-quarter surge to collect the win.
“I told the girls they had a great season; I was beyond happy that I got the opportunity to coach them this year, and they have nothing to hang their heads about,” St. Mary coach Matt Barnowski said.“I’m just super proud of the effort and all the work they put in.”
The Eagles end their season 15-7 overall.
