IRON MOUNTAIN — The free-throw line was the deciding factor when the Bark River-Harris and Iron Mountain girls varsity basketball teams faced off in December.

It also played a role in Thursday’s Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 3 District 66 semifinal in Mountaineer Gym.

However, the Mountaineers hit their shots this time. As a result, they cruised to a 57-39 win over the Broncos.

“We played hard, and the girls wanted it,” IM head coach Chad Lindeman said. “They said it before the game, and Gerilis Sampoll-Torres came to play tonight. She showed up and hit the free throws.”

In the first meeting, the Mountaineers missed 19 free throws in a row but managed to secure a 58-50 win over Bark River-Harris. But Thursday’s version of the Broncos had a different feel as senior Marissa Ives was out due to injury.

“Obviously, it hurts us a lot,” BR-H head coach Paige Welch said. “She was our main ball handler, a great defender, and a huge part of our energy on the floor. We needed more of all three of those things tonight.

“My heart broke a little when I realized her injury wasn’t just a short-term ankle tweak. But I am proud of my girls who have stepped up and did what they could to adjust their roles.”

Iron Mountain dominated the third quarter, outscoring the Broncos 16-8. Linsenbigler led the way with five points, while Wood added three.

Backed into a corner, Bark River-Harris came out firing in the fourth. It went on a 16-5 run behind four 3-pointers from Zawada. However, the Mountaineers didn’t panic.

“Emma Zawada caught fire,” Lindeman said. “We called a timeout and readjusted. Bella got out on her and closed her down for the rest of the game. But that was a great shooting performance from her. She hit three in a row; that was huge.”

IM leaned on senior Bella Picket and it turned up the defensive pressure. The Mountaineers silenced Bark River down the stretch, forcing it to foul.

Sampoll-Torres connected on 7-of-11 shots from the charity stripe to seal the game.

The loss means the end of the career for the Broncos’ six seniors — Ives, Varoni, Jillian Koch, Lexi Hoffmeyer, Danica Peterson and Alayna Lippens.

“The worst part about losing these six seniors is not having their personalities around anymore,” Welch said. “They are great human beings — raised by wonderful families, National Honor Society members, multi-sport athletes, band members, etc., so they are just a big part of our school and community in general. I wish I could have them for a few more years, that’s for sure.”

Iron Mountain had three scorers in double figures, something it has been aiming for all year.

“It’s been our goal for the whole season,” Lindeman said. “But we haven’t had it if we peak right now, fantastic.”

Sampoll-Torres led the Mountaineers with 17 points.

Iron Mountain received contributions from Bella Pickett (4 points), Olivia Geneva (6 points), Ava Marttila (3 points), Wood (14 points) and Linsenbigler (13 points).

Zawada led all scorers in the contest with 18 points.

Bark River also received offensive contributions from Shaylyn Porath (1 point), Varoni (4 points), Melinah Cortez (2 points), Callie Flagstadt (4 points), Peterson (2 points) and Julia Nault (8 points).