Lady Mavs pick up win before winter break

The North Country Lady Mavericks looked pretty solid as they took down the Nashua Lady Porcupines in a lopsided 52-26 victory last Thursday in Whitewater. The team will now have a break in their regular season action as they observe winter break. Their first game of 2017 is scheduled for Friday, January 6 against the Scobey Spartans in Hinsdale. They will then see inter-county action against Dodson in Dodson on Saturday, January 7.

In the team's lone game last week against the Nashua Porcupines, Jada Sudbrack led the charge for North Country racking up 16 points, 10 of which came in the first half.

Mickayla Johnson also had a strong game scoring 11 points.

The Mavericks came out strong in the first quarter, forcing turnovers and limiting Nashua to one trey while scoring 14.

"The key to our win was hard work and not playing to their level," senior captain Kayleigh Cummings said.

Eighth grader Kaitlyn McColly proved to be a defensive spark plug for North Country. McColly scored six points and was a part of a strong effort by the underclassmen.

"They came out and worked hard, they put up big shots when we needed them to and playing really tough defense," junior captain Casity Boucher said. "That was great."

Boucher scored five points. Cummings scored five points. Kia Wasson scored four points. Bailey Funk and Elise Strommen both added two points each.

Boucher believes their post play was the strongest part of their team in the win.

"They didn't have a whole lot of height so we were able to use our posts," Boucher said.

The young Mavericks are learning that they have to make up for a lot of fast-break scores they were given last season by now graduated point guard Tatum Moore.

"It's definitely difficult and we've been working really hard on it," Cummings said. "A lot of our younger kids have had to step up and fill that role but I think we will get there."

Cummings has looked a lot more confident this season, often setting up plays for the younger players in their set offense.

"I've been working on shooting and watching the basket when I shoot and driving some," Cummings said.

Going into the break, the Mavericks were able to win a divisional game against one of 3C's tougher opponents.

"It is a good feeling," Cummings said. "I think we needed it before our break so it motivates us to do better and work hard for our next games."

The team had five days off including Christmas weekend. Both Cummings and Boucher were asked what they wanted for Christmas.

"I just want to be with my family," Cummings said. "I don't care what I get."

Boucher agreed that she couldn't wait to hang out with her family.

The team will start winter break practices this afternoon.