Staff
It was a big day in “Big D” for the Muskie court teams yesterday.
Fort High took three out of four matches against the host Dryden Eagles in the final NorWOSSA action before the exam break.
The Muskie senior boys’ basketball team clinched first place—and a bye to the league final—with a 67-60 win.
“As a coach, I think the bye is important because anytime you can avoid an extra game, and minimize chances for injuries and fatigue, it is beneficial,” reasoned Muskie co-coach Bryce Coyle.
He saw four of his players injured in yesterday’s game, with centre Jacob Empey and guard Jacob Jack not returning but not expected to miss any extra time.
Empey, Aaron Kavanaugh, and the brother act of Kevin and Liam Metke all had 12 points apiece to lead the Muskies (6-0) over second-place Dryden (2-3).
On the volleyball court, the Muskie senior and junior girls’ squads registered impressive wins over the defending NorWOSSA champion Eagles.
The seniors (5-1) cruised to a 3-0 sweep to widen the gap on Dryden (3-2) in the battle for first place.
The set scores were 27-25, 25-16, and 25-22.
Meanwhile, the juniors (4-2) beat the Eagles (4-1) for the first time this season—taking the best-of-five affair 3-1 (25-15, 25-21, 16-25, and 25-10).
“I think it was a big confidence-booster today beating Dryden,” said Muskie coach Shana Windigo.
“They’ve always been a strong force in volleyball and now these girls know if they work hard, they can beat them.”
The surprise of the day—and the reason there was no sweep by the visitors—came in junior boys’ basketball.
Fort High (5-1) is unbeaten no more after falling 48-45 to previously winless Dryden (1-4), meaning a chance to lock down first place fell by the wayside.
Top scorers were unavailable at press time.
“They played like a bunch of individuals,” said Muskie coach Darryl Galusha, who was missing two of his key big men down low in Kieran Weir and Evan Loyie.
“Everyone wants to be [Golden State Warriors’ star] Steph Curry and shoot ‘threes,’” he noted.
“But this is the greatest thing that could have happened,” Galusha added.
“Now they can clear their heads and realize it takes a team to win.”
The junior boys will be in a tournament Jan. 29-30 in Kenora, although they will be without leading scorer Aaron Bujold.
All four teams return to NorWOSSA play Feb. 4 here against the Kenora Broncos.
