IRON RIVER—Last week was a memorable one for West Iron County sports. First, the Wykon boys team defeats Forest Park. Then, Nick Baumgartner earns a place on the U.S. Winter Olympic team.

Third, and most surprising, West Iron’s girls basketball team plays in the first game at Houghton’s big new gym Jan. 22—and spoils the party by dumping the Gremlins 71-64.

How big of an upset was it? It was Houghton’s first West Pac Conference loss dating back to the fall 2002 season—66 games ago.

The win improves the Wykons’ record to 6-4 overall and 4-2 in West Pac play. It was also their fifth consecutive victory.

It came on a night when the Coach Mike Dallavalle’s team was only able to suit up six players, due to an academic suspension and a funeral.

So how did they do it? The Wykons soundly outplayed Houghton, led by their dynamic duo at guard, Jaclyn Waara and Kylee Erickson.

The two combined for 49 of the Wykons’ 71 points—Waara had 29 points, and Erickson added 20 (including 11 of 12 at the free throw line).

They also did it with defense, holding the Gremlins to 18 points in the first half—just four in the second quarter. “A big defensive accomplishment for us,” said the coach. Waara scored 12 in that quarter, helping WIC to a 32-18 halftime lead.

The Wykons used a zone defense, pressured the point guard and got out on shooters, getting a hand in their face. “Holding them to four points in the second quarter was when we took control.

“We came out quick, we were fired up, we got back in transition, and we were contesting most of their shots.

West Iron led 50-35 after three, and Dallavalle knew what to expect from Houghton in the fourth: pressure defense.

The Wykons broke the press, took care of the ball, worked it around for good shots, took time off the clock and passed it inside to Desi Rasmussen. “They really didn’t have an answer for Desi inside,” Dallavalle said. “She did a great job posting up, and the guards got the ball in to her.”

Houghton found its offense in the fourth quarter, hitting five three-pointers and cutting the lead to single digits. The coach called time with about four minutes left.

“I told them they were going to basically play monkey-in-the-middle and win the game by making free throws. They need the ball from us, and all we have to do is keep it away from them. We’re going to hit the free throws and win the game.”

That’s what they did. No panic. Once the Gremlins started fouling, all the Wykons stepped up at the free throw line—making 17 of 21 in the fourth quarter. Erickson went 10 for 10.

Waara and Erickson were backed up by Desi Rasmussen (11 points) and Shannon Koski (8). Erickson led with eight rebounds, and Koski had seven.

Angie Whear, WIC’s fifth starter, focused on defense, and Kelsie Christensen, the team’s only reserve, gave the starters a breather. She returned after Rasmussen fouled out with about 1:50 left.

The Wykons shot 44% overall from the floor (47% in the second half), to Houghton’s 26% overall, although the Gremlins put up 21 more shots than West Iron (73-52). In the loss, Carroll had an outstanding game for Houghton with 22 points and 19 rebounds (13 offensive boards). Dillinger added 15 points, and Kaurala had 11.

“I knew we were good enough to compete with them,” Dallavalle said. “But to dominate the entire game up to the fourth quarter—it was really nice to see.

“Pretty amazing, all the way through.”

The Wykons hosted Bessemer Jan. 25 in their only game this week. They return to action Feb. 1 at Kingsford.

Gremlins 14 4 17 29 -- 64
Wykons 15 17 18 21 -- 71