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FP sophomore, Jessie Loehr #24 pushing her way through WIC defensive players, Laycee Parson #5 and Lacey Shamion #23, to take her shot. (Photo by Kevin Zini)
FP sophomore, Jessie Loehr #24 pushing her way through WIC defensive players, Laycee Parson #5 and Lacey Shamion #23, to take her shot. (Photo by Kevin Zini)
By Patrick Browne
On Jan. 5 the Lady Wykons of West Iron squared off against the Lady Trojans of Forest Park in a classic cross county basketball rivalry. From the opening jump to the final ticks of the clock, both teams were relentless in their pressure and both refused to back down. Fouls were plentiful; more than one player ended up on the floor, and the gutsy play of our community’s finest was on display.
Both teams had gone into their two week winter breaks with losing records. West Iron (1-3) and Forest Park (1-5), and both had returned from the break, won their first game, and were looking for their next victory.
Knowing the Wykons were at full strength with the return of their powerhouse point guard, Danica Shamion, the Trojans established a box and one defense to slow the train. The classic combination of zone and man to man defense had one of Forest Park’s most aggressive defenders, Charlie Larson, trying to stop one of the best guards in the Upper Peninsula. Despite an impressive effort, Shamion and the Wykons were not to be denied.
The Wykons played their best first quarter of the season, scoring 19 points, 10 by Shamion, while the Trojans were unable to sink their shots and put up only six. Frustration mounted almost immediately and manifested in fouls, loud cheering from the respective crowds, and battles under the boards.
In an effort to stem the tide and close the first quarter gap, the Trojans adjusted their defense. The Wykons adjusted their offense and Seanna Stine, Haiden Gill and Sidney Storti took over where Shamion left off. The Wykons put up 15 points in the second quarter to Forest Park’s nine. The halftime score rested at 34 to 15.
Although the game was comfortably out of reach going into the second half, neither team let up. The Wykons kept pressing the ball after making shots and scored 29 points in the second half to finish the game with a tally of 63. The Trojans mustered 15 second half points and finished with 30.
The Wykons evened their record at three wins and three losses on the season while the Trojans fell to 2 and 6.
After the game both coaches were respectful in their comments. West Iron’s Eric Shamion, a statesman for the game and community stated, “I thought the kids played outstanding tonight.”
Kim Bjork, Coach of the Trojans, gave credit to the Wykons, “West Iron came out on fire and played fast.”
Charlie Larson, who had the most difficult job of the night stated, “Danica is a quick player and is definitely a strong asset for the Wykons. It’s not easy keeping her away from the basket.”
Jessie Loehr led the Trojans with eight points, while teammate Lilly Post put up six. The Wykons were led by Danica Shamion who finished with 22 and was supported by Seanna Stine with 12, Sidney Storti with 10 and Haiden Gill who scored nine.