By Keeghan Gittins
For The New Era
Amid some schedule changes due to turbulent weather, Sweet Home’s boys lost both their basketball games last week, at home to Estacada and then, after two postponements, on the road at Molalla.
After multiple delays due to the threat of potential flash floods, the Huskies’ game at Mollala was moved to Saturday, Dec. 20, where they fell 63–54 to the Indians.
Molalla entered the contest with a 5–0 record and was ranked as the No. 1 team in the 4A division coming into this week. Earlier in the week, the Huskies lost 57–49 to Estacada.
“It was good to see us compete with both teams, but we could have gotten them both,” said head coach Drew Emmert.
Against Estacada, Sweet Home had no trouble getting to the free-throw line, but struggled to convert, shooting just 48 percent. The missed opportunities proved costly late in the game.
“We missed 18 free throws versus Estacada. Between too many turnovers and missed free throws, they got us,” Emmert said.
Turnovers were the deciding factor, as 30 percent of Sweet Home’s possessions ended in turnovers against the Rangers. The Huskies ended the game with an assist to turnover ratio of 6 to 25.
A bright spot in the loss was junior guard Bradyn McClure, who finished with a game-high 26 points. McClure shot 6-of-11 from two-point range and went 11-of-13 from the free-throw line.
Molalla came into the Saturday game with a high-powered offense, averaging approximately 68 points per game, while Sweet Home is averaging around 44 points per contest.
“We competed hard against Molalla. They are a good team that doesn’t miss very many open looks.” Said Emmert.
Emmert pointed to what he described as a “six-point swing,” where a missed shot resulted in a loss of two points followed by four points for the opposing team off turnovers and transition opportunities.
“I thought that was a minute stretch that really hurt us in the fourth,” Emmert said.
Despite the losses, Emmert believes the Huskies are close.
“With that, we are right there with a top team. We just need to tighten a few things up before league and we will be just fine,” Emmert said. “Our defense is playing at a high level; we just need our offense to follow. We need to limit our turnovers and move the ball to get good looks.”
Sweet Home will travel to Astoria to compete in the Vince Dulcich Tournament, a three-day event running from Dec. 28–30. The Huskies hope to gain experience and return in the new year looking for redemption on Jan. 2 at Sutherlin, to whom they lost last season.
