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Sports
By Patrick Browne
IRON RIVER — In one of the most exciting boys’ home basketball games in recent history, the Wykons of West Iron took on Luther Wright High School (Ironwood) on Feb. 1. The Wykons (1–15) welcomed their opponent who entered the contest with a record of eight wins against six losses. Because of recent results against similar opponents, West Iron believed they could knock off the Red Devils.
In their excitement the Wykons made a number of mistakes, were unable to generate a strong offense and quickly dropped behind. Scoring only three points in the first quarter, they were clearly frustrated. The frustration boiled over in a technical foul and West Iron found themselves behind 23–9 at halftime.
Coach Contreras found a way to refocus his team at the half and the Wykons emerged a different team, scoring 24 third-quarter points to Ironwood’s 18. West Iron was closing on the Red Devils and trailed only 41–33 heading into the final eight minutes of play.
During the fourth quarter, the Wykons played inspired basketball as the momentum had swung their way. Elijah Oberlin put up a dozen points and the freshman guards, Nathan Camps and Jasiah Parker, played tenacious defense to keep Ironwood from scoring. Both Camps and Parker also contributed a bucket in the quarter as they fought tenaciously for their team.
Many times during the final minutes, the Wykons were within striking distance. The clock however was running and despite outscoring their opponents 17–13 in the final frame, the Wykons best opportunity for a home victory in two years went unfulfilled. Final score Wykons 50, Red Devils 54.
West Iron Coach Cade Contreras found the positive.
“It’s nice to get a close game,” Contreras said. “You can see the difference in the team’s competitiveness. In the second half the guys fought extremely hard. I was happy with the effort.”
On Thursday, Feb. 16, the Wykons will play a home game against the Purple Hornets of L’Anse. The game should be an opportunity for the Wykons to earn a home victory as they face the winless Hornets. The entire community is encouraged to pack the gymnasium for the game which begins at 5:30 p.m.