Wolf Point Defeats Scotties To Open Boys’ Basketball Campaign

Wolf Point’s boys’ basketball squad put together an impressive first half and knocked off conference rival Glasgow, 55-44, to open the season on Friday, Dec. 3.

“It was a big win,” Wolf Point coach Troy Blount said. “I was impressed with the effort. We’re a fast team.”

The Wolves led by only a 12-7 margin after one quarter of play, but Kraven Silk taking a charge gave Wolf Point momentum early in the second quarter. A drive by Gaige Bushman put the margin at 14-7.

The scoring of freshman Wyatt Babb kept the Scotties close. A tip-in by Babb closed the margin to 17-13 with 3:47 remaining in the half.

Wolf Point then exploded for the game’s next 15 points. After Jaxon Azure connected from three-point range, a drive by Corey Martell off a steal by Kelby Bauer put the margin at 22-13.

Two baskets by Bushman, including one off an assist from Juliun Benson, increased Wolf Point’s lead to 13 points. A three-point play by Bauer and a three-pointer by Bushman increased the gap to 32-13.

A baseline shot by Glasgow’s Dalton Sand put the half-time score at 32-15.

After Glasgow fought back to 36-21 in the third quarter, Azure hit another three-pointer for a 39-21 margin with 2:30 remaining in the period. A fast-break basket by Bauer put the Wolves up 41-25 at the end of the period.

A three-pointer by Benson and an inside shot by Shastin Damon resulted in a 48-32 advantage with 4:27 left in the conference game.

After Glasgow closed the gap to 49-41, three points by Benson increased the margin to 52-42 with 1:22 left. A free throw by Damon and two free tosses by Benson led the way to a 55-44 final.

“Obviously, it was a good win, but we have to learn to play smarter with the lead,” Blount said.

Leading the Wolves with nine points each were Bushman and Azure. Adding eight points each were Benson and Bauer.

Also scoring for Wolf Point were Martell with six, Jack Sprague with six, Silk with five and Damon with four. Ethan Blount also played a solid game.

Coach Blount is pleased that the Wolves have nine very solid players this season.

“With those nine guys, we don’t have a drop off,” Blount said. “It’s a total team effort. It shows we have depth.

Babb led Glasgow with 25 points. Bergen Miller added seven points.

The Wolves will take on Shepherd and St. Labre at the Lockwood Invitational on Dec. 10-11.