Scottie Boys Pick Up First Win After Loss to Sidney

After a 15-point loss to the Sidney Eagles in a game that stayed close until the last five minutes, the Glasgow Scottie boys finally found their rhythm and picked up a dominant win over the North Country Mavericks at home.

Entering the Christmas break at 1-4, the 66-33 victory was a much-needed boost for the Scotties.

Scottie head coach Norm Braaten plans to let the players take four days off during the Christmas break then hit 2016 off and running, taking on the visiting Poplar Indians at home on Saturday, January 2, to start the conference schedule. He anticipates that the Indians, returning veterans plus a bunch of talented freshmen, will bring a tough game.

Sidney 49, Glasgow 34

This physical game pressured Glasgow to 30 turnovers, which cost them plenty of scoring opportunities. Even with many errors right from the start, the Scotties were able to keep it close, and took a one-point lead for a minute and a half in the second quarter, a short duration when they out-rebounded the Eagles and took care of the ball.

At halftime, the Eagles took a narrow lead, 16-14.

Plagued by unforced errors, the Scotties allowed the Eagles to widen a 7-point deficit going into the fourth quarter, and the potential for a huge comeback evaporated. Glasgow pulled within two with 5:35 left on the clock, thanks to a trey then an aggressive drive up the middle from Ethan Etchart. As Glasgow tightened down on defense, however, rash errors kept the Scotties from converting Sidney's own fair share of turnovers. It didn't help that their shots just wouldn't fall in-fast breaks, close-up bunnies-while the Eagles continued to capitalize on Glasgow's turnovers and made the free throws.

Etchart and Trent Herbert both fouled out of the game late in the fourth quarter.

In spite of sloppy handling, the Scotties had some clean execution of offensive movement. Instead of settling for perimeter shots, they were able to create holes in the paint and cut in for a good pass. Braaten would like the kids to slow down mentally, though, and see the floor. "They hurried too much and everything around them became a blurr. As they gain more experience, they'll start to see the big picture," said Braaten.

On the other end of the court, holding the Eagles to 49 points spoke a lot about Scotties' gritty defense and fight for the boards against a physical team. Senior Zach Miller drew two charges in the night where he said he took many hits from the Eagles and went down on the floor many times.

Etchart led the Scotties with 10 points, followed by Miller 7, Bryce Legare 5, Herbert 4, Luke Breigenzer 3, Cade Myrick 3, and Chase Hughes 2.

Glasgow 66, North Country 33

Sporting black and silver uniforms in their first year of cooperative existence, the North Country Mavericks visited the GHS gym on Friday, Dec. 18. They combined boys from Saco, Whitewater and Hinsdale under a bull mascot.

A large fan base and cheerleading team rooted hard for the boys, who no doubt have a promising season ahead of them in 3C under head coach Mitch Capdeville.

On this day, turnovers stifled the North Country's offense, as the Mavericks also felt the absence of their offensive power, junior Trace Simonson, who was out on family vacation. Simonson had scored 23 points against Jordan during the Class C Showcase early December.

Sophomore Wrangler Jones came off the bench and hit four three-pointers from the left side, leading the Mavericks with a game-high 12 points. Cache Younkin contributed 9 points, including a deep three. Logan McColly scored 5, Channing Mavencamp 4, and John McColly 3.

The Scotties ran a well-executed offense in the paint as well as from the perimeter. Five shots were made by five players from behind the arc, the most so far this season.

Ethan Etchart scored a game-high 15 points for the Scotties. Chase Hughes added 11, his best game so far. Tyler Hersom added 8, Zach Miller 8, Cade Myrick 8, Trent Herbert 7, and Bryce Legare 7.