Martin will play Tri-Unity Christian in the Division 4 district basketball tournament at 7 p.m. Saturday on the Defenders’ court in Wyoming.
The Clippers earned the right by defeating Kalamazoo Heritage 61-43 Thursday in the semifinals. The victory evened their overall season record at 6-6.
Tri-Unity will enter the championship game with a record of 9-2 after smashing Wyoming West Michigan Christian 83-22 in the earlier semifinal Thursday evening.
The Clippers Thursday night took a 12- 8 advantage in the first period and then blew the game wide open, leading 35-17 at the half and 49-25 at the end of three qauarters.
“We started the game with some good intensity, going on an 8 to 0 run,” coach Brad Moelker said. “Mitchell Jager hit a couple threes and our guards really attacked the rim well that first quarter.
“After that start we really stepped up in the second quarter outscoring them 23 to 9. Collin Coburn had a great night with his decision making. Sometimes we get a little stagnant and rely on him to create, but this game we were able to find some cutters in space.
Coburn had 18 points and nine rebounds. Brayden Eckman collected 14 points, Karter Ribble came up with nine points and five rebounds, Cole Altman had nine points, and Jager dished out five assists.
“It was also nice to see Brayden be aggressive tonight. He had some great attacks in the paint, which also opened up his three-point shot as well.
Moelker said he was particularly pleased with the performance of Ribble, who pulled down some big rebounds and finished strong at the rim.
“Top to bottom, we had a pretty good game,” the coach concluded. “I was impressed by how many players stepped up and gave us good minutes. When players weren’t in the game they were engaged and our intensity fed off of that.”
(Photos courtesy of Bonnie Little)