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Despite struggling on offense at times, as they did against the Northmen in the district, the Elks could look back on a year filled with positive growth.

Sayer certainly felt that the Elks had made huge strides with the program over the course of the season despite an 8-14 finish.

"This was our best year in a long time," Sayer said. "This was a learning season for the girls.

"We brought three girls up early in the season, and another sophomore and freshmen up for the districts. They all did extremely well."

Olivia Morrison paced the Elks against Petoskey, scoring 9 points.

Freshman Sarah Lloyd added 6 points, while Kacey Anderson speared 17 rebounds.

Kerby Tamm led the Northmen with 16 points.

Elk Rapids struggled to find its shooting touch in the first quarter, and Petoskey made the Elks pay by forging a 12-5 lead.

Petoskey had an 8-5 scoring advantage in the second quarter to storm into the halftime break with a 20-10 lead.

The Elks picked up the scoring pace a little in the third quarter, but Petoskey exploded for a 21-12 period and rolled into the fourth period with a 41-22 lead.

It was the final game for seniors Caitlin Orschel, Franki Price and Jocylen Fox.

"Their leadership on and off the court is going to be very difficult to replace," Sayer said.

"They love the game, and will do what it takes to play."