The Silver Bay Mariner girl’s basketball team won two games last week to even their record at 2-2.
The first game saw the Mariners cruise by Fond du Lac Ojibwe by a score of 79-23. Fond du Lac is loaded with outside shooters, but the Mariners’ pressure defense never really allowed them to get free. Danika Thompson led the way with thirty-two points despite sitting almost half the game, and Izzy Carey added twelve points and seven assists. Freshman Madison Ollman added seventeen points including three from the 3-point range.
Assistant Coach Michelle Ketola commented, “We have a group of girls who have put in a lot of work over the years and it is beginning to pay off. Watching them play defense and their movement on the court looks like a totally different team from last year.”
In the second game, the Mariners hosted Carlton and it was as incredibly exciting! The Mariners held on to a slim lead over the Bulldogs for most of the game until fouls caught up with Silver Bay and Carlton took a four point lead. Quick baskets from Maddy Ollman and Nysjah Duncan tied the game with about a minute to go. Following a timeout, Carey put in a twelve-foot bank shot as the buzzer sounded and the Mariners escaped with a 47- 45 win. Carey had twenty-two points to lead the Mariners and Thompson added nineteen points and ten rebounds, while Ayla Simonson starred with her defensive pressure.
Genet Backman is new to William Kelley. The freshman and her family relocated to Silver Bay from Mounds View. She missed a few years from basketball, but is talented, a wonderful teammate and happy to be back in basketball. “I like the people on our team. I like that we work together and encourage each other. Practices are fun!”
Freshman Maddy Ollman says, “We all work together to get better.” Ollman, who is a strong volleyball and softball player, thinks it is fun to play any of the sports with her friends. She is working hard to become a better ball handler and is already a strong rebounder.
The Mariners play at Wrenshall Friday, Dec. 16th and host Cook County on December 20th in their final action before the Christmas break.
Former Mariner players, both male and female, are reminded that the Mariner alumni game is scheduled for Friday, December 30th. The Alumni girls will be coached by Larry Otterblad. Girls play at 6:00pm and their male counterparts take the floor at 7:30pm. Fans of all ages are invited to come out and watch!
