All teams showing growth

The high school sports season is in full bloom.

I have to say that I am very proud of our local sports teams. Each team that I have covered has shown growth and have been keeping things very interesting for this reporter.

Both Malta basketball teams are currently in first place in their respective conferences. The Mustangs are 6-0 in 2B basketball and the M-ettes are 5-1 at the moment.

This past week the Malta-Whitewater Wrestling team won the Harlem Wildcat Tournament. That’s huge because they are hitting their stride at a critical time.

Both Mavericks basketball squads are doing well and have been playing at a high level. I am proud to see the growth of the Maverick boys this season. I am also proud of the Lady Mavs who are not only playing at a high level but feature a pretty deep bench.

The Dodson teams have been impressive despite their youth. The Coyote boys played pretty strong against Scobey team full of senior starters. Though they were down by more than 20 points they fought valiantly and closed the gap to 11. That may not seem that important but in their first clash with Scobey, the boys lost by 36 points.

The Lady Coyotes are young and learning but the team has been displaying the potential to shock a team in the 3C tourney in a few weeks.

The quality of games have been great lately. Seeing Nate Costin hit that walk off trey in Malta last Saturday almost had me jumping out of my boots. It reminded me of the 2013 Championship win over Wolf Point, when Malta’s offense struggled but eventually the team rallied and after three overtime periods they were able to get the W. I am glad Friday’s game didn’t go to three overtimes but it was a great game regardless.

North Country’s game last Thursday against Brockton had the craziest ending I have ever seen. I had never seen a game end in regulation before that.

I just want to thank our local crowds for being good sports for the most part. Officials may not always get calls right but I appreciate them for being there to keep our players safe. Let’s support the officials and our kids. Remember these athletes are all somebody’s child and the example of being a good sport or a terrible sport will mold them in the future.