The Scotties Sweep Poplar in Hoop Action

Hard work over the Christmas break paid off, and Jan. 2 proved to be a good day for Scottie basketball. All five Glasgow teams beat out the Poplar Indians in the first conference matchup of the season.

The varsity boys provided the crowd with an exciting nail-biter. The game tied six times and saw five lead changes in the second half.

The Scotties were well-prepared for the style of the Indians, who are known for their speed, pressure and long-range shooting. Glasgow's tough defense harassed the Indians all night and limited their three-point shooting to only five. "That was our main strategy for the game, because we knew Poplar has some really good shooters," said head coach Braaten. "Tyler Hersom did a great job staying with the Smoker kid throughout the fourth quarter. This is a great win for us." Indian freshman standout Kenny Smoker did not sink a three until the final five minutes.

Scottie senior Zach Miller had a double-double night of 15 points and 10 rebounds. His poised two-for-two free throws lifted the Scotties out of a 47-47 tie with less than 20 seconds left on the clock.

After a long shot from Poplar's Boy Youngman failed to grace the rim, one final free throw from Ethan Etchart sealed the game for the Scotties, 50-47.

Etchart poured in 12 points for the Scotties, including a buzzer-beater three at the end of the first quarter.

Braaten also credited the team's win to their success on and under the glass for rebounds, and said it was "the best boxing out they've done so far" this season.

The boys only made three trips to the free-throw line during the first half. In response to Braaten's urging at half time, they produced nine more attempts in the second half with more aggressive driving. The Scotties were 9 for 15 overall from behind the charity line.

With a bit of height advantage, the Scotties slashed their way to the basket and jumped out to a 16-7 lead in the first quarter. Poplar's offense did not get going with their fair share of turnovers and languid shooting.

Scotties' own turnovers in the second quarter hurt their offense. A 15-6 run by the Indians tied up the game at the half, 22-22.

When the Indians had their largest lead of the game, 29-24, five minutes into the third quarter, the Scotties held the fort and answered back. A free throw by Bryce Legare followed by a series of drives from Etchart, Trent Herbert and Miller concluded the third quarter with yet another tie, 31-31.

A fast break on a steal by Miller set the tone for Scotties' fourth quarter. The Scotties would regain a one-point lead, only to be relinquished after a trey from Poplar's Kenny Smoker. Consecutive buckets by Bryce Legare put the Scotties back on top, but the Scotties could not seem to stretch their lead by more than three points. Orlando Young tied the score, 47-47, with a free throw put-back at 0:24.

Combined three-for-three free throws in the waning clock by Miller and Etchart, who remained calm while the crowd did not, put away a very good Poplar team.

Also contributing to the scoreboard were Bryce Legare 8, Trent Herbert 6, Luke Breigenzer 4, Tyler Hersom 3, and Cade Myrick 2.

With the Scotties locking down Poplar's perimeter offense, Indian 6'3" Damon Sadler was their high scorer with 11 points from the post. Boy Youngman added 8, Orlando Young 8, Waylon Youpee 7, Coy Atkinson 7, Kenny Smoker 4, and Josh Miller 2.

The JV boys also won what started out as a tight game, 44-31.

The Scotties will have two games coming up this week. Nashua comes to town on Friday, Jan. 8, then the Scotties travel to Harlem on Saturday, Jan. 9.

Harlem lost to Malta, 54-28, and to Wolf Point, 44-43, back in December. The Wildcats appear to be a team of depth, as four players scored double digits in their 61-57 loss to Rocky Boy. "Harlem is always a tough gym for us to play. We just have to take care of the ball and play our best. We are getting there," said Braaten.