By Keeghan Gittins
For The New Era
The Sweet Home Huskies wrapped up 2025 with a packed schedule, competing in the Vince Dulcich Tournament and finishing the week with a 2–1 record, while also battling through several tight losses earlier in the week.
Sweet Home’s lone tournament loss came against host Astoria, the No. 15-ranked team in the 4A Division. The Huskies fell 53–51 in a game in which they played one of their most complete performances of the season. Sweet Home shot 33.3% from three-point range, 47% from midrange, and 70% at the free throw line, but 20 turnovers proved to be the difference in the narrow defeat.
“I have been proud of our guys so far,” said Head Coach Drew Emmert. “We are playing together and learning how to win. I was proud of the way we competed at the tour. We almost had that first game and then won the next two.”
After the loss to Astoria, the Huskies bounced back with a 56–49 win over 3A division Warrenton, and followed it up with a 51–40 victory against Seaside to close out tournament play.
Despite the strong showing, close games have been a recurring theme for Sweet Home this season. The Huskies have lost several games by slim margins, including a 49–47 loss to No. 27-ranked Sutherlin in the 3A classification.
Free throw shooting has been an issue, as the Huskies are averaging 57% from the line as a team.
“We have lost a few really close games this year, three of them were lost because of missed free throws,” Emmert said. “Two were free throws in the last few seconds which would have sent them to OT.”
Sweet Home started the new year with a 49-47 loss at 3A Sutherlin Friday, Jan. 2, which Emmert described as “our worst game of the year.”
“We looked tired from our long week and didn’t compete at the level we had been,” he said. “Credit to them for playing hard and hitting big shots at the end though.”
Bradyn McClure has been a recurring bright spot for the Huskies, leading them in most offensive categories, averaging about 18.6 points per game while shooting 58% inside the arc and 74% from the free throw line. McClure and Kellen Hartsook are also both averaging around six rebounds per game.
Mason Tyler chips in with 10 PPG.
Looking ahead, Sweet Home has three preseason games remaining before entering league play. Emmert remains optimistic about the group’s potential.
“Overall I’m excited about this group and what we can accomplish the rest of the season,” he said.
The Huskies were to face Sisters, now a 3A school, at home at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, followed by road games Friday, Jan. 9, at Madras and Jan. 13 at St. Helens. They will open the OWC season Tuesday, Jan. 20, at Philomath.