Freeland Powers Past Ludington 69–53 to Reach the Final Four
- Mar 11
- 2 min read
Photos and videos by: Brent Merontos / Truevisionmedia @IG
Freeland’s postseason run continued Tuesday night as the Falcons defeated Ludington 69–53 in the MHSAA Division 2 state quarterfinals, earning a trip to the Final Four at the Breslin Center.
Behind a balanced offensive attack and a dominant second half, Freeland pulled away from a talented Ludington squad that entered the game with one of the best records in the state.
Big Performances Lead the Falcons
Freeland’s offense was led by Cooper Wagner, who finished with 22 points and consistently delivered in key moments. Wagner knocked down perimeter shots and attacked the basket, helping the Falcons stretch the lead during the second half.
Tristan Comer also had a huge night for Freeland, adding 20 points while controlling the paint. Comer’s physical presence inside allowed the Falcons to dominate the boards and score on second-chance opportunities. His ability to finish around the rim kept Ludington’s defense under constant pressure.
Freeland star Wilson Huckeby had a quiet first half but came alive after halftime. Huckeby erupted in the third quarter and finished with 12 points, providing a scoring burst that helped Freeland create separation.
Senior guard Tucker Hileman added 10 points and helped control the tempo for the Falcons. His leadership and ball handling kept the offense organized and allowed Freeland to maintain its momentum late in the game.
Ludington’s Taj Williams Carries the Orioles
Despite the loss, Ludington had a standout performance from Taj Williams, who led all scorers with 24 points. Williams carried much of the offensive load for the Orioles, attacking the rim and hitting shots to keep his team within striking distance.
However, Ludington struggled to match Freeland’s balanced scoring attack. While Williams kept the Orioles competitive early, the Falcons’ defense tightened in the second half and limited the rest of Ludington’s offense.
Turning Point: Third Quarter Surge
The biggest moment of the game came in the third quarter, when Freeland finally broke the game open. Huckeby’s scoring run, combined with strong interior play from Comer and perimeter shooting from Wagner, pushed the Falcons ahead by double digits.
Freeland’s defense also stepped up during that stretch, forcing difficult shots and limiting Ludington’s transition opportunities.
What the Win Means
With the victory, Freeland improved to 24–3 on the season and secured a spot in the Division 2 state semifinals at Michigan State’s Breslin Center.
The Falcons will face Romulus Summit Academy North in the next round with a chance to play for a state championship.
For Ludington, the loss ends an impressive season in which the Orioles won 24 games and made a deep playoff run.
But on this night, Freeland’s depth, scoring balance, and second-half surge proved too much to overcome.
Full In Game Highlight:
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