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Sports
By Patrick Browne
The Lady Wykons of West Iron have had their challenges this season, but every time they look like their season is going to fall apart, they have fought back and shown they have what it takes to win. They’ve withstood winning only one of their first four games to battle back to .500. They’ve clawed their way back to a respectable record after losing six out of seven contests in mid-season, and most recently they’ve won four in a row to post a record of 9 and 9. They are a well coached team and the embodiment of resilience. Down, but never out.
In their most recent victory against the Johnston/Bessemer Speedgirls (6-10), on February 13, the Wykons put on a shooting clinic and had what could only be called a breakout night. Coming only seven points shy of 100, the Wykons, in the words of their coach, Eric Shamion, “Had the best output of scoring in the seven years I’ve been coaching!”
West Iron, at times a team that gets off to a slow start, shook that descriptor and scored 28 first quarter points. Seanna Stine scored four in the first frame on her way to an impressive 20 on the night, and five of her teammates also got on the board. The team put up 51 first half points and were well ahead as the Speedgirls were still lacing up their shoes. Shots fell like never seen before as every girl was on her mark and every shot added points to the Wykon total. The first half ended with a commanding 51 to 25 West Iron lead.
The second half was equally unbalanced as the Wykons held their opponent to 16 points while scoring 42. Nine of the 10 Wykons scored on the night. The team was led by Stine with 20, Sidney Storti with 17, Danica Shamion with 16, Hannah Gill with 13 and Kaitllyn Smith with 12.
“The kids played well and shared the ball. I think we set the tone early!,” reflected a pleased coach after seeing his team win their fourth consecutive game.
With the victory West Iron improved their record to 9 and 9 on the season and are playing impressive basketball as the year is drawing to a close. Confidence is building with less than two weeks remaining in the season and the District playoffs right around the corner.
An elated Stine stated after the victory, “I really enjoyed how we played as a team and how we were all getting points on the board. It felt really good to hit 20 points and definitely boosted my confidence. I am super excited for Districts and think our team is capable of winning another title as long as we keep working hard and playing as a team.”