The Alpena News’ sports headlines on Saturday and Monday were full of cause for celebration for area basketball players.

The Alcona girls basketball team bested Whittemore-Prescott 49-23 on Friday in a Division 3 district final, giving the Tigers their first district title since 2018.

Posen topped Onaway 44-29 in a Division 4 district final on Friday at Wolverine High School, this year’s 15th straight win for the Vikings and their second consecutive district title.

Onaway pulled away late for a 54-44 victory over Hillman in a Division 4 boys basketball district final in Onaway on Saturday, Onaway’s first such title since 2016.

It’s been a turbulent couple of seasons for school athletes across the country as the coronavirus pandemic toppled 2020 postseason basketball and threatened the 2021 postseason, too.

We’re proud of all Northeast Michigan athletes for their sticktoitiveness, and we say three cheers for Alcona, Posen, and Onaway for their well-earned titles.

Nice work, athletes. Your communities are proud of you.

(THE ALPENA NEWS)