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Sports
By Patrick Browne
It has been an up and down season for the Lady Wykons. Starting the season with a record of 1 and 3, they worked back into a winning record by winning three in a row and most recently dropped their last three games to bring their record to 4 and 6.
On Jan. 23, the Lady Wykons suited up against the Norway Knights (6-6) and were looking to get back on track after dropping games to Houghton and Ishpeming. Norway had lost six of its first eight games to start the season, but had won their previous four games going into the matchup with the Wykons.
West Iron got out to a slow start and, despite six first quarter points by Sidney Storti, trailed going into the second quarter 20 to 12. As usual, once Coach Eric Shamion could make adjustments, the Wykons were able to slow the Knights offense and the Wykons outscored their opponent 15 to 11 to head into halftime at a 33-27 deficit.
“Norway was sharp in the first quarter and we seemed to be a step behind,” stated Coach Shamion. “We got off to a slow start.”
The Wykons returned from the locker room down by six and the Knights built the lead to 10 heading into the final quarter.
With the game on the line the Wykons came to life. As a team which consistently saves their best basketball for the final quarter, a 10 point lead did not put the game out of reach for the Lady Wykons.
Danica Shamion scored 11 points in the quarter, Seanna Stine put up a three pointer, Julia Swenski scored four, Haiden Gill dropped in two and Lacey Shamion shot two free throws. The Wykons scored 22 fourth quarter points and were one shot from tying the game. Unfortunately, a shot which had every reason to fall and tie the game bounced off the rim and the comeback fell short.
With the Knights scoring 15 in the quarter, the Wykons lost by three, 63 to 60, despite a heroic come from behind effort.
“We need to start games with more passion,” stated Coach Shamion. “It takes huge amounts of energy to play from behind the whole night. We put up a great fight in the fourth quarter!”