Malta downs Wolf Point on Senior Night

The Malta Mustangs basketball team won their lone game against the Wolf Point Wolves, defeating the Wolves 68-38 last Saturday, January 22, in a game that featured attendees from Phillips and surrounding counties. The game served as Malta High School's Senior Night.

With several games being postponed around the Hi-Line, including Malta's game against Harlem, scheduled for Friday, January 21, the crowd featured athletes and coaches from Dodson, North Country, and Harlem.

The Mustangs are scheduled to play Glasgow at Malta High School on Thursday, January 27, at 7:30 p.m. They were scheduled to play Havre on Tuesday, January 25, at 7:30 p.m. Information on that game will be featured in next week's PCN.

The Mustangs game against Harlem has been rescheduled for Monday, February 7, at 6:30 p.m. The M-ettes will play the Harlem LadyCats at 5 p.m.

On Senior Night, two Mustangs were honored, including Connor Tuss and Rex Williamson.

Though Tuss was unable to play against Wolf Point, due to injury, he was asked how the night went from his perspective.

"It was great watching from the bench," Tuss said. "It was tough not being able to play on Senior Night, but I have to trust the process. As a team, we are getting better every game."

Tuss did suit up prior to the game and was honored with his parents and sisters. As did Williamson, with his parents and siblings.

"It was great," Tuss said. "Kind of awkward because I had my uniform on and people asked if I was playing, and it was different but it was great."

Tuss may be available to play this week.

Williamson led the Mustangs with a 24 points outing. Fifteen of his points came in the first quarter.

"We kept the intensity up and knew it was going to be a tough game," Williamson said. "Going over there, we kind of pounded them, so we knew that they were going to come with a lot of intensity, so we had to match that intensity, and play even better."

Williamson said that he is giving his all this senior season.

Freshman Bodhi Brenden had 11 points, seven rebounds, and four steals. Freshman Stockton Oxarart knocked down three treys, for his nine points. Oxarart also hauled in 12 rebounds and two steals. Sophomores Seth Siewing and Jonathan Siewing had five points. Junior Jared Eggebrecht had four points, seven rebounds, and four steals. Freshman Treyten Wilke had four points. Junior Kaden Bishop and sophomore Carson Ottinger had three points.

"I love those kids," Williamson said of the underclassmen. "They are really good athletes. They hustle, they execute really well and they play all-around good ball, and I am excited to play with them."

Malta posted a dominant first half, outsourcing Wolf Point 21-6 in the first period and 21-9 in the second period. The score was 42-15 at halftime. Malta also posted 23 points in the third, while holding Wolf Point to 11. The Wolves led in fourth-quarter scoring, posting 12 points while keeping Malta to three.

Malta is currently 6-4 this season and has had two games that have been postponed. Williamson was asked how he thought the year has gone so far for his team.

"This year has been pretty fun," Williamson said. "We lost some tough games that we wish we wouldn't had, but we will fight back and do better during the rest of the season. I think that we will get them."