Tigers turn back Hancock with timely late '3'

A check of the West Central Tribune website this morning (Saturday) had the game played "at Morris." But a check of the KMRS-KKOK website shows a photo from the game clearly taken in Hancock! My original posting here had the game played in Morris. I'm glad to correct. - BW

 

Stardate February 6, 2021. We continue to navigate through this strange galaxy of the pandemic. We haven't completely departed the orbit of Trump-ism. How would Kirk and Spock get us completely extricated? It's like there's a mysterious tractor beam at work. Look at the Trump campaign sign that remains out by the highway near Greeley Plumbing. In such a conspicuous spot. 

It's like a welcome sign to Morris in the sense that it seems to say something about our collective attitude. We're in the outstate hinterlands. This is a part of the country that can still stay stuck on Trump. I just wish we wouldn't have to broadcast it. Marjorie Taylor Greene speaks to this crowd. And wouldn't you know, she got in front of TV cameras on Friday and made a big deal out of her Christian faith. 

So being a Christian appears to send a strong message that you buy in to so much of what MTG represents or exudes. How the Jews have lasers from space causing fires in California. 

Don't you all realize the kind of road we may be heading down? Do you study history? Trump is going to be acquitted on impeachment. Democrats will be sent on their heels by the propagandistic rhetoric from the other side. At least Lou Dobbs got canceled. A tiny baby step. Now, on to basketball:

 

Boys: Tigers 43, Hancock 39

The rivalry stays close between these two schools. It's too close. Isn't Morris a substantially larger community? I do realize Hancock is doing better with school enrollment than might be expected. Is it still true that many Starbuck area families are inclined to strongly consider Hancock? 

A parent/source told me 4-5 years ago that this situation existed because of problems they saw with Minnewaska Area. As my source put it: a "rep" problem (for reputation). I have no idea if this continues to be the case, but it's good for Stevens County if any school can pick up steam. 

Remember the Hancock coach who ended up in prison? Looks like this untidy little matter has been tucked into the past. For the record, that coach was able to fill the UMM P.E. Center with fans for post-season games. I'll never forget it, I'll never forget the Hancock pep band electric guitar player who'd play the "Batman" theme as the Owl mascot raced out to mid-court in a break. Wow! 

The P.E. Center was once such a springtime mecca for this stuff. Pandemonium, pounding sounds of pep bands! (Much cheaper pizza slices than today.) 

Our MACA boys basketball team defeated Hancock Friday in Hancock 43-39. When I was growing up, any game against a town the size of Hancock would be treated like a scrimmage. Any rivalry is fun, of course. Let's put aside any disparity in population. (I can't quite do that.) 

We needed a late three-pointer by Brandon Jergenson to feel confident of victory. Jergenson's '3' opened up a lead of four points. The Owls were a stubborn opponent. The orange and black benefited from an 11-0 run in first half play. MACA led the rest of the way but had to stay focused to be sure. Our 12-point lead during the second half proved not that secure. Indeed, it was down to one point just before Jergenson's clutch shot. 

Yes, it was a low-scoring game. So the defense certainly seemed to be accented. MACA shot just 37 percent. And the Owls: 26 percent. The win was the sixth for the orange and black. Hancock was left with a 5-2 mark. 

Let's roll up our sleeves for the stats. We see Thomas Tiernan with a modest stat of ten leading the MACA scoring. Jergenson had two 3-pointers and his total for the night was nine. Cole Wente put in seven points, Jackson Loge and Toby Gonnerman each had six, and Durgin Decker five. Tiernan made two 3's to match Jergenson. Wente made our other '3'. 

Loge snared eleven rebounds to lead. He also led in assists (4) and blocked shots (8). Gonnerman and Decker each had three assists. Decker stole the ball twice. 

Kody Berget was a big reason why Hancock put up such a strong challenge: four 3-pointers. His point total was the team-best 14. Matt Thompson came through with ten points and 20 boards. Brandon Kellenberger contributed eight points, ten rebounds and four steals.

 

Girls: West Central Area 63, MACA 50

Action was at the Tiger Center Thursday for the GBB matchup of the Tigers and West Central Area Knights. Lexi Bright of the Knights was a major force as they worked to victory, 63-50. 

The Knights applied a full-court press with great success in the first half. This led to the Knights' 38-22 halftime lead. MACA committed turnovers in the face of the press. MACA adjusted to get close on the scoreboard in the second half. But it was never enough. 

Bright was a factor in multiple departments. This Knight had five rebounds, five steals and three assists. Liz Rustan put in ten points. West Central Area's win was their third, meanwhile the Tigers slipped to 2-5. Our three top scorers were Maddy Grove (15, plus five rebounds), Sydney Dietz (11) and Emma Bowman (10). 

- Brian Williams - morris mn minnesota - bwilly73@yahoo.com