M-ettes win on senior night, down Roundup

The Malta M-ettes won a pair of games last week including the team’s senior night game against Rocky Boy on Friday, February 1, in the Malta High Gymnasium.

The M-ettes also defeated the Roundup Panthers in Roundup on Saturday, February 2.

In Malta’s 74-50 win over the Rocky Boy Northern Stars, Malta was led by sophomore Erica Smith and junior Kelbee Denham who both scored 19 points. Denham also had seven assists and four steals.

“I just feel like we had really good chemistry on the floor tonight,” Senior Kloie Marks said. “We haven’t had the best offensive run in the past few games but tonight I felt like we got on point.”

Senior Kyleigh Schipman had 13 points, three assists and three steals. Smith, Denham, and Schipman each had three treys in the win. The team combined for 9-of-20 (45%) from behind the arch.

“We needed a game like this because the last few games have been kind of rough and we needed a game to get together and have that special moment,” Schipman said.

Marks had 11 points, five rebounds, and three assists. Freshman Justine Lamb had four points and three rebounds. Senior Raina Mortenson had three points, which were scored from her four attempts at the charity stripe. Mortenson had four rebounds and three steals.

Malta’s defense was able to force 22 turnovers, most of which came in the press, but senior Wylee Young wasn’t feeling good about the team’s set defense.

“It was a little bit slower than usual but our offense made up for it,” Young said.

Before the game seniors Schipman, Marks, Mortenson, and Young were honored with Mustang players and cheerleaders and their families during the school’s annual senior night. Mortenson shared what it meant to get a win that night.

“It feels pretty great and my team is pretty cool too,” Mortenson said. “I love my team.”

At the conclusion of the game, the four seniors shared their favorite memory from playing basketball at the Malta Gymnasium. Each of them said in unison that their favorite memory was watching a missed fastbreak layup from Schipman.

It was a play in which Smith tipped the ball to Young, who found a wide open Schipman for what was supposed to be a routine layup in the second half.

Schipman explained what happened as she fumbled the pass, which ended up in the clutches of a Rocky Boy defender, who was a good 25 feet behind Schipman.

“I get nervous on my layups because that is not my strong suit,” Schipman said with a smile. “So, I got nervous and embarassed. It was just me down the court and when that happens I feel like all of the pressure is on me and I just miss. Everyone laughed and it was good for that I guess.”

In the M-ettes’ 38-32 win over Roundup, Malta was led by Carly Garfield who had 10 points and five rebounds. Smith had seven points, seven rebounds, and four steals. Denham had six points and two steals. Mortenson had five points, four rebounds, three steals, and three assists. Marks and Schipman each scored four points. Sidney Meeks had two points.

Malta will take on the Glasgow Lady Scotties this Friday, February 8, in Malta at 7:30 p.m. The team will then travel to take on the Shelby Lady Coyotes in Shelby on Saturday, February 9, at 4 p.m.