NC Boys Pick Up Conference Win

The Mavericks boys basketball team improved their record to 3-5 in conference play with a 48-45 win over the Scobey Spartans in Whitewater Friday night. North Country's record stands at 4-12 overall following a 67-31 non-conference loss in Glasgow Thursday night.

North Country fell behind 18-8 in the first quarter against the Class B Scotties Thursday night and were outscored 28-8 in the second. Glasgow maintained control of the game in the third, putting up 10 points while holding the Mavericks to 2 points. North Country fought back in the third, outscoring their hosts 13-11.

Blaine Downing led the Mavericks with 14 points, draining 4-of-6 free throws. Kade Strommen shot 2-for-2 at the line and hit a three-pointer, scoring 11 total points for North Country. Coy Bowman also hit 2-of-2 bonus shots on his way to 6 points.

Glasgow held their fouls to 10, four in the second half, while North Country had 13, six after halftime. Strommen fouled out of the game while Downing was called for four fouls. Laytin Erickson and Walker Albus drew two whistles each.

North Country overcame a first-half deficit to defeat Scobey the following night. The Spartans led 13-10 at the end of one and 22-17 at the half. The Mavericks hit the hardwood after the break for 17 points in the third while holding the Spartans to 11 for a 34-33 lead heading into the final quarter. North Country continued their strong play, outpacing Scobey 14-12 in the frame for the win.

Downing led all scorers with 22 points, with a 2-for-4 showing at the line. Erickson, with three shots from downtown, and Bowman, with one trey, both scored 9 points. Strommen hit for 7, draining his single free throw, and Albus hit 1-of-2 bonus shots. The Mavericks shot 62.5 percent from the line.

North Country held their fouls to nine, four in the second half, while Scobey had 11, eight after intermission. Bowman and Strommen both drew three whistles, Erickson two and Downing one.

The Mavericks close out the regular season with two conference games this week. The Mavericks travel to Lustre Friday, Feb. 10. The girls and boys JV teams will play half-games at 4 and 5 p.m., respectively. The girls varsity game begins at 6 p.m. with the boys varsity game scheduled for 7:30 p.m. North Country hosts the Frazer Bearcubs in Saco Saturday, Feb. 12. The girls varsity teams tip off at 6 p.m. followed by the boys varsity game at 7:30 p.m.