Sky Chappell
During this season of rebuilding and tough competition, the Sweet Home High School boys’ basketball team (4-17) has continued to face challenges head-on. Recent matchups against Cascade (16-3) and a hard-fought game against Newport (11-7) highlight the determination of this team.
On Feb. 5, Sweet Home faced off against Cascade, a team that has been acclaimed as a potential state champion.
According to Coach Drew Emmert, the opposition started the game on a high note and maintained their intensity throughout. “They started hot and never cooled down,” Emmert said. He also noted that his team struggled to match Cascade’s energy, contributing to the challenging game that ended 26-70.
On Feb. 8, the boys faced Newport which told a different story. One of competitive spirit and a fight that highlights the potential within the Huskies. The team began the game strongly, leading in the first quarter and engaging in a tight contest through the second.
However, a critical period in the third quarter saw Sweet Home experiencing several defensive lapses, which allowed Newport to capitalize with a barrage of three-pointers. “In a 3-minute stretch where they hit 5 threes,” Emmert explained, “that stretch extended their lead from 6 to close to 20.”
Coach Emmert remains optimistic, focusing on the growth and learning opportunities these challenging games present for his team. Feb. 12 the team will be playing at 7 p.m away against Philomath (15-5) and again Feb. 15 at 7 p.m away against North Marion (16-6).