Local athlete signs with new basketball program

ISHPEMING–One local college is kick starting their first basketball program and gained another player today from Ishpeming High School.

The ice storm Thursday night didn’t stop Marrisa Maino from signing with Bay De Noc College this afternoon. This season with the Ishpeming Hematites, MY–no averaged 12 points per game and 6.6 rebounds, shooting 84% from the free throw line and 40% from three.

“The atmosphere when I went to visit the college was incredible. Everyone was so friendly, Coach Drake seems wonderful, and I want to continue my basketball career so I thought it was the perfect fit for me,” Former Hematites Forward Marissa Maino said. “Ishpeming has prepared me greatly for this moment to play at college.”

“People are going to have to respect her as a shooter, but she can also play inside. Being close to home I’ll be able to drive down there and watch some games,” Hermatites head coach Ryan Reichel said. “It’s been a huge honor to have someone, like that play on your team. To be able to play multiple positions and have schools calling and asking about your players is always pretty fun.”

“I want to commend the girls that have signed,” Norse Head Coach Rae Drake Jr. said. “Because they are signing to a program that has never existed before, they’re taking a leap.”

Both of the coaches said Maino is a match-up problem for other teams. She is now one of four players on the Norse line up.