Gladwin, Freeland win district titles

Gladwin rallies from halftime deficit, Freeland routs Essexville Garber in boys' basketball district finals

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The Gladwin Flying G's overcame an eight-point halftime deficit to beat host Shepherd 60-50 in a Division 2 boys' basketball district final on Friday. The third-ranked Freeland Falcons also won big, routing Essexville Garber 84-48 in another Division 2 district final.

Why it matters

The district title wins for Gladwin and Freeland extend their seasons and keep their hopes alive for a deep postseason run. Both teams will now advance to the regional semifinals as they look to continue their successful campaigns.

The details

Gladwin trailed Shepherd 29-21 at halftime but outscored the Bluejays 39-21 in the second half to rally for the victory. Brody Verellen led the Flying G's with 18 points and three steals. Freeland led Essexville Garber 46-32 at halftime and then pulled away with a 19-3 advantage in the third quarter on its way to the lopsided win. Wilson Huckeby paced the Falcons with 21 points.

  • Gladwin and Freeland won their district finals on Friday, February 28, 2026.
  • Gladwin will play Ludington in a 7 p.m. regional semifinal on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
  • Freeland will face Portland in a 7 p.m. regional semifinal on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

The players

Brody Verellen

A player for the Gladwin Flying G's who scored 18 points in the district final win.

Mike Verellen

The head coach of the Gladwin Flying G's.

Wilson Huckeby

A player for the Freeland Falcons who led the team with 21 points in the district final victory.

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What they’re saying

“Things really started to come together in the fourth when we forced a couple of consecutive turnovers and scored a bunch of quick points. Once we took the lead, we tried to slow things down and force them to extend.”

— Mike Verellen, Gladwin head coach (ourmidland.com)

“We were able to weather the fouls and knock down enough free throws to close the deal.”

— Mike Verellen, Gladwin head coach (ourmidland.com)

What’s next

Gladwin will face Ludington and Freeland will take on Portland in the regional semifinal games on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

The takeaway

Gladwin and Freeland's district title wins showcase the strength of boys' basketball in the Midland area, with both teams now one step closer to potential deep postseason runs and state championship aspirations.