Weiser's young basketball team suffers first loss

Published by admin on Wed, 12/09/2020 - 1:49pm

The Wolverine boys basketball team played two games this past week.Ray Calley (24) is looking for someone to pass to against Melba on Tuesday. Brett Spencer (2), who was Weiser’s high scorer with 13 points, is open. Sam Kerner (10) is working his way to get in position. Willy Shirts (00) is at the top of the key ready for a pass. Photo by Michelle Estes
By: 
Michelle Estes
The Weiser boys’ basketball team and coaches are thankful they are able to be on the court. COVID-19 restrictions have forced schools to make major adjustments, one being no spectators are allowed at the games. 
   The Wolverines are looking to recreate their team with young vibrant talent. Brett Spencer is the only returning full-time varsity player.
 This 2020-21 team is no stranger to winning, they are the defending JV district champions. Coach Brad Adolfson has a game plan for the season and knows in due time this team will bring it all together. 
 With multiple athletes out on quarantine this young team has had six sophomores see varsity minutes in the first two games. 
   The opening game for the Wolverines ended in a loss to Melba 49-83 on Tuesday, Dec. 1. Weiser won the tipoff but a Weiser turnover and a quick 3-pointer by Melba’s Joe Reiber put Melba on the board first. 
 Weiser struggled to keep a handle on the ball creating multiple turnovers, missed lay-ins, and a few missed three’s, giving Melba numerous attempts to widen the lead. Fortunately for Weiser, Melba only capitalized on a few trips down the court. 
 With 4:08 left in the first  quarter Weiser scored their first points. Sam Kerner was fouled as he sunk a three. With the missed extra point it was 3-9. 
 Kerner’s scoring energized the Wolverines. Brett Spencer quickly added a three and Brayden Walker hit both of his free throws after being fouled. 
 With 3:05 left in the first it was Weiser 8, Melba 9. The last three minutes of the quarter was marked with turnovers and quick scoring, first by Melba who jumped out to a sizable lead of 8-18.Then by Weiser who fought back. 
 By the end of the quarter, with two three pointers by Spencer and a Walker lay-in, the score was Weiser 18, Melba 21. 
 Early in the second. Walker was fouled on a drive bringing the Wolverines to 20-21. Melba’s Reiber drove hard at the other end going for a bucket and was called for an offensive foul. 
 Weiser had the momentum taking the lead with Spencer at the line where he drained both free throws making it 26-25. That was the first and last time Weiser had the lead of the game. 
 Weiser had a few steals and then quickly turned the ball over contributing to Melba jumping to a 26-37 lead with 2 minutes left in the second quarter. 
 Ray Calley scored two on an assist by Kerner, a couple buckets by Walker and a Melba three ended the half with a score of 33-44. 
 Weiser and Melba traded multiple missed shots to start the third quarter. After one minute and 30 seconds had ticked off the clock, the score was Weiser 35, Melba 44. 
 The fast-paced game continued with Weiser subbing players often. Calley scored a bucket off of an assist by Michael Youngberg and with less than a minute left in the third, Calley made a nice three. 
 The second half was marked by Melba capitalizing on opportunities while Weiser struggled to get the ball to fall. 
 Midway through the fourth  quarter the Wolverines finally added two points by Kerner and two more with an assist from Levi Estes. The final score was 51-83.
 Even with the loss this young Wolverine team showed potential. Nine players posted points for the night, led by Spencer with 15. Walker had a solid night on the court in his first varsity start with 13 points. Calley scored 7, Kerner 6, Willy Shirts 5, Carter Williams 3, Estes 1 and Youngberg 1.
 

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18 E. Idaho St.
Weiser, ID 83672
PH: (208) 549-1717
FAX: (208) 549-1718
 

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