The 2026 Gogebic Samson Spring Thaw Classic completed play Sunday. Twenty-four teams participated in this year’s Spring Thaw – 21 men + 3 women. Thirty-one games were played during the 3-day tourney beginning Friday afternoon and concluding late Sunday afternoon.
Women’s Division.
Mattsons TV & Appliance/Ho Chins outlasted the Samsonettes 57-54 in double overtime to capture the women’s division. Carine Cole (16 points) & Sam Ofstad (15 points) led the winners. Sydney Saari (13 points) led the Samsonettes in scoring. The Women’s Division MVP was Carine Cole.
Men’s 30 & Over - Master’s Division:
The Samstones knocked off Austin’s Ducks for the Master’s Division championship. JJ Aspinwall (19 points), Casey Carlson (14 points) and Mike Pawlak (11 points) led the victors. Steve Strong (15 points) and Austin Walker (10 points) led the Ducks. Casey Carlson and Pat Libertoski were named Co-MVPs of the Masters Division.
Men’s Division B:
In the men’s division B championship game, Bill’s Ducks defeated Three Fires 71-51. Ryan Steffes (17 points) and John Duck (14 points) led the Ducks. Rob Powell (18 points), Owen Corbine Nelis (15 points), and Rondell McKinney 12 points led Three Fires.
In the Division B consolation championship Thunderbird Park defeated LVD in overtime 54-53. Justin Cobb (16 points) and Thomas Way Man (10 points) led the T-Birds to victory. Asher Garrison (16 points), Marcus Bain (12 points), and Tyson Klingman (12 points) led LVD in scoring. John Duke of Bill’s Ducks was the Men’s Division B MVP.
Men’s Division A:
In men’s division A, the Upper Block rolled over Greenwood 76-63. Hernan Cortes (18 points), Caden Luoma (15 points), Kaden Vardon (15 points) and Ben Salkauskus (11 points) led Upper Block to victory. Austin Carlson (25 points), Dondre Yohe (18 points), and Reece Castor (11 points) led Greenwood.
In men’s division A consolation, The Blazin Banditz took down the Hardwood Hustlers 50-28. Tyler Gordon (12 points), Don Gordon (11 points) and Chaz Forcia (10 points) led the Bandits. Xander Beeksma tallied 10 points for the Hustlers. Hernan Cortes of Upper Block was selected Men’s Division A MVP.
That’s All Folks …
The 33rd and Final Spring Thaw Classic is in the record books. Fun was had and memories were made! A huge thank you is extended to the team sponsors, players, & fans who participated in the 2026 THAW. An even bigger thank you is bestowed on the gate keepers, concession workers, maintenance crew, game referees, and score table crew that provides vital support for the event. This activity has been a great community service for the Gogebic Range and a solid fundraiser for Gogebic Samson Basketball.
