“They say that all good things must end, someday. Autumn leaves must fall…” — Chad and Jeremy, “Summer Song,” 1964

That good thing, the Martin girls’ basketball season, indeed came to an end in a heartbreaking 48-45 loss in the regional semifinals to Mendon in overtime Monday night.

The Lady Clippers finished one of their most successful campaigns ever, with a 17-4 overall record, a district championship and until Monday night no losses to any Division 4 opponents.

The outstanding news in all of this is that Martin doesn’t have one senior on the ballclub. So its opponents will have to put up with the same bunch next year.

The game at Mendon was so tight it squeaked. The two squads, both of which entered the contest with only three loses, battled to a 10-10 tie in the first quarter and Martin was clinging to a four-point lead entering the fourth period, 28-24. The Hornets managed to pull even by the end of regulation at 40-all.

Mendon used an 8-5 advantage in the extra session to earn a date in the regional championship game Wednesday on its home floor.

Free throws once again proved to be no friends of the Clippers, as they managed just 9 of 21 for a dismal 43%. Futhermore, they shot only 29.6% overall, and that was counting the deadeye accuracy of Briana Warner from three-point land, where she swished all three of her attempts. Unfortunately, Gracie Shettler nailed the only other three for the night.

Kiaya Warner again led the individual scoring and she came up with five steals and five rebounds. Faith Guritz added 11 point and Briana Warner 10 and Shettler had her season best with eight points. Jaclyn Hildebrand had four assists.

Another problem for Martin was that it was outrebounded as a team 26 to 21.

Mendon now has a 19-3 overall record and a shot at a regional title. Martin came oh, so close, but no cigar.

(COVER PHOTO, courtesy of Steve Mele) Martin girls in happier times Friday night after their district championship.