Utica Eisenhower Pulls Away Late, Defeats Fraser 57-43 — Eagles Advance to Final Four
DETROIT, MI — March 17, 2026
By Caleb Bushell | DVS Reporter
Utica Eisenhower used a strong fourth-quarter surge to defeat Fraser 57–43 at Calihan Hall, punching their ticket to the MHSAA Girls Basketball Final Four.
In a game that featured multiple momentum swings, the Eagles leaned on defense, execution, and a standout performance from Leah Poggiolo to take control late and secure the win.
1st Quarter – Eagles Start Strong
Utica Eisenhower opened the game with solid ball movement and efficient scoring, led by #10 Leah Poggiolo, who scored 7 points in the quarter. Fraser stayed within reach by knocking down perimeter shots, but the Eagles held a 12–7 lead after one.
2nd Quarter – Fraser Fights Back
Eisenhower continued to play unselfish basketball early in the second quarter, sharing the ball and building a 25–15 lead as Fraser called a timeout to regroup.
Out of the timeout, Fraser responded with energy and defensive intensity, swinging the momentum in their favor. A big block from #35 Nylah Bell and a clutch three-pointer from #11 Francesca Sines highlighted the run, as the Ramblers stormed back to tie the game 25–25 at halftime.
3rd Quarter – Back-and-Forth Battle
The competitive play carried into the third quarter, with both teams trading baskets and momentum. Fraser capitalized on turnovers and attacked the paint, earning trips to the free-throw line and briefly taking control.
Fraser’s #32 Ashley Jeter took over offensively, surpassing Poggiolo with 14 points to give the Ramblers a 40–36 lead late in the quarter.
However, Eisenhower responded by tightening up defensively and finishing the quarter strong. Behind continued scoring from Poggiolo, the Eagles regained the lead and entered the fourth quarter up 41–40.
4th Quarter – Eisenhower Pulls Away
Utica Eisenhower took control in the final quarter. Leah Poggiolo continued her dominant performance, reaching 18 points early in the fourth and leading a key run that forced Fraser to call timeout trailing 48–40.
The Eagles’ defense stepped up, limiting Fraser’s ability to get clean looks while controlling the tempo on the offensive end. With under three minutes remaining, Eisenhower extended the lead to 53–40 and began to manage the clock.
Executing down the stretch, the Eagles closed out the game with composure to secure a 57–43 victory.
Final Thoughts
This matchup showcased resilience and adjustments, but Utica Eisenhower’s ability to respond to adversity and take control late proved to be the difference.
Leah Poggiolo’s leadership and scoring, combined with timely defensive stops, powered the Eagles to a strong finish and a spot in the MHSAA Final Four.
