Scotties Show Improvement Despite 46-35 Loss to Baker at Home

A 15-2 run early in the second quarter gave the Scottie boys a four-point lead over the Baker Spartans, and the first win for the Scotties loomed within reach. However, sharp shooting gave the visitors an edge, and the Spartans hung on with a one-point lead over the Scotties, 24-23, at half time. The Spartans never looked back.

Glasgow was outscored by Baker, 4-11, in the third quarter. Down 35-27 going into the fourth, the Scotties caught up within five points with two minutes left on the clock. However, Scotties' turnovers, and the Spartans' 6 for 6 from the free-throw line, stretched Baker's lead to an 11-point win, 46-35, on Dec. 11.

In contrast to the Scotties' first two games in which they faced outsized opponents, height was not a factor in the Scotties' first game at home as both teams were evenly matched in size. The Spartans, however, made timely shots-seven total–from behind the arc. Glasgow's two came from senior Ethan Etchart and junior Tyler Hersom.

Glasgow players across the board were aggressive in trying to penetrate the Spartans' middle. When they attacked the basket, scoring, rebounds and a trip to the free-throw line often followed. This was manifest in the second quarter in which Glasgow outscored Baker 15-12, and went 4 for 5 from the line. "We are not a great three-pointer shooting team. We've got to be aggressive," said head coach Norm Braaten.

Fighting hard for every possession has been a trademark for this relatively inexperienced team. Three games into the young season, Braaten has seen some needed improvement from his crew. "Defense was much better and we ran some great plays. Offense will take time, but I think we'll be much stronger after the Christmas break," said Braaten.

Senior 6'1" Zach Miller topped the Scotties with 13 points, followed by Etchart, 11. Four other players got on the scoreboard: Hersom 5, junior Trent Herbert 2, junior Luke Breigenzer 2, and freshman Cade Myrick 2. The team went 5 for 8 from the free throw line.

Baker was led by junior Daniel Rost with 12 points, followed by 9 points from Joe Fisher and Treston Erickson each.

The Scotties will travel to Sidney on Thursday, Dec. 17, then host the North Country Mavericks (Saco/Whitewater/Hinsdale) at home on Friday, Dec. 18. While the varsity will have no further game action until after Christmas, JV and C squad players will travel to Scobey on Saturday with game time starting at 1 p.m.

Conference competition will begin after the Christmas break, as the Poplar Indians come to G-town on Saturday, Jan. 2.