Big Bay de Noc senior Caragan Thill celebrates after hitting 1,000 points against Mackinac Island on Jan. 13, 2026 at Big Bay de Noc School. (Adam Hinch/Daily Press)

GARDEN CORNERS — It was just another night on the basketball court, except it wasn’t for Big Bay de Noc senior Caragan Thill as she became the 21st player to hit the 1,000-point mark here Tuesday. The Black Bears took down Mackinac Island 69-38. Thill led the way for the Black Bears with 21 points, and sophomore Destiney Bleau added 20.

Thill came out fast from the opening tip scoring the first two baskets for the Black Bears to take a 4-0 lead.

Kaylee Cowell hit a pair of free throws to cut the deficit in half. Cali Miller answered back for the Black Bears as she drove to the basket for a layup to extend the lead to 6-2. Mackinac Island senior Lakelyn Bunker went to the basket for a layup and drew a foul and converted on the free throw to cut the deficit to 6-5.

The Black Bears responded with a 19-1 run highlighted by a trio of baskets by Bleau to close the run and extend the Black Bears lead to 25-6.

The Black Bears outscored Mackinac Island 18-5 in the second quarter as Bleau scored 10 of her 20 points in the second quarter and the Black Bears took a 43-13 lead into the halftime break.

With 6:15 to go in the third quarter, Thill scored on a layup to put her at the 1,000-point threshold.

“It was relieving to finally get it over with,” Thill said. I wanted it since I was all my aunt’s name’s up there and I never thought I would get it but it feels good and I was happy to get it done here at home.”

Bunker was the bright spot for Mackinac Island as she scored 22 of the team’s 38 points.

Victoria Durrence had a big game for the Black Bears as she posted 15 points and 15 rebounds.

“We came out really strong tonight,” Black Bears coach Bob Pederson said. “Our man to man press was firing on all cylinders and when that happens things usually go well for us.”

The Black Bears will be back in action tonight as they travel to Hannahville.

Mackinac Island 8 5 12 13 — 38

Big Bay de Noc 25 18 16 10 — 69

Mackinac Island — Cowell 6, Fisher 2, Duke 4, Rickley 4, Bunker 22. FT: 6-18; F: 10; Fouled Out: Cowell; 3-pointers: Bunker.

Big Bay de Noc — Bleau 20, Pederson 5, Frankovich 1, Durrance 15, Thill 21, Miller 2, DesJarden 5. FT: 12-18; F: 12; Fouled Out: None; 3-pointers: Pederson.