One Nation, Under God

Malta, North County varsities clash

Last Saturday, Phillips County sports fans were blessed to see two undefeated local teams compete against each other for the first time as the Malta M-ettes took on the North Country Mavericks.

Malta, being a Class B team, typically brings their junior varsity team to face North Country's varsity. Things were different this time around as Saco Athletic Director Barry Malone and Malta Athletic Director Scott King were both sent scrambling for a game after losing games due to COVID-19.

"We were really excited," Lady Maverick Kaitlyn McColly said when asked about hearing they would play Malta. "We really appreciate each chance we can to get more competition."

The game ended in a very close 50-46 ending, with the Lady Mavericks coming out on top and extending their winning record to 8-0. Malta was the second of two undefeated streaks that North Country snapped last week, also beating Melstone in double overtime.

In the victory over Malta, the Lady Mavericks were led by Kaitlyn McColly, who scored 26 points and racked up 10 rebounds. Jaycee Erickson had 13 points, four rebounds, and four assists. Kia Wasson had eight points, three rebounds, and three steals.

Malta was led by Allison Kunze who had 13 points and 10 rebounds. Justine Lamb had 11 points and six rebounds. Kylee Nelson had five points, four rebounds, and four steals. Erica Smith had five points, three assists, and three steals.

Both teams forced turnovers in this meeting of tough defensive teams. Malta had 11 steals while North Country had ten steals.

"They played good defense, but we work against good defense every practice, every single day, so it was nothing that we couldn't handle," McColly said.

The main difference was at the foul line. North Country was 16-of-28 (58%), while Malta was 10-19 (57%).

Erickson attacked the lane, drawing several shooting fouls throughout the game. She was 8-for-11 from the free-throw line.

Despite getting to the line early, Malta held a 25-22 advantage at half time.

"We didn't rebound as well as we had hoped in the first and second quarters, but in the third and fourth quarters we really got after it and had that winning mentality."

Erickson said that teamwork was ultimately the key to their win. The Lady Mavericks outscored Malta 28-21 in the second half.

North Country also had a close win over Melstone. The game went into double overtime and the final score was 56-53.

"We just kept a cool head," McColly said. "I don't think that any of us ever thought that we were going to lose that game. We just stayed together as a team and pushed through until we finally held them down."

McColly and Erickson both mentioned that Draya Wacker was an incredible shooter. Wacker scored 30 points that night.

North Country was led by Wasson, who scored 21 points, had 6 assists, three rebounds, and two steals. McColly had 13 points, eight rebounds, three steals, and two assists. Erickson had 13 points and three rebounds. Teagan Erickson had five points, ten rebounds, five assists, and four steals.

"The girls are playing great team ball right now," Coach Erickson said. "Our chemistry on the floor is really starting to flow both offensively and defensively. We are looking forward to another weekend of games as we go to Circle Thursday and are scheduled to play Nashua in Hinsdale Friday."

 

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