Basketball teams take tough losses on court

DEMING/EVERSON – The Mount Baker boys basketball team took a loss to Lynden, 44-34, on Jan. 14, bringing them to a 6-4 record.
After a low scoring first half with the two teams knotted up at 16-16, Lynden took a 7-point lead after the end of the third quarter, putting the team ahead for good. Mount Baker was led by Spencer Backstrom’s 12 points in the loss.
The previous Monday, Mount Baker lost a tough game against  Burlington-Edison, 60-49. The two teams battled through much of the game, with Burlington-Edison up by only two after three quarters. In the final quarter, Burlington-Edison got hot at the right time, take their lead to 12 points. The team was led by Backstrom’s 11 points and Zack Stalin’s 10.
Mount Baker suffered their worst loss of the season, 76-39 to Squalicum, on Jan. 7.  The Mountaineers appeared overmatched from the beginning, spotting Squalicum 12 points before making a basket. By halftime, the team was down 40-11. Jacob Kernells led the team with 12.
Nooksack Valley
The Nooksack Valley boys (6-5 overall, 1-4) basketball lost to Anacortes, 70-61, on Jan. 14. The team was up by one at half time and only down by four after the third quarter. In the fourth, though, Anacortes went on a run, outscoring the Pioneers 23-18 in the quarter, sealing the win. Nick Westergreen’s 15 and Brent Gwinner’s 14 led the team.
The previous Tuesday, Nooksack Valley lost a close game against Squalicum, 64-60. The two teams battled throughout the game with the Storm only leading by two with half a minute remaining. Nooksack Valley fouled Patrick Dickerson, who nailed two free throws and secured the victory. Anthony Reese led the team with 13.
The Pioneers lost again to Bellingham on Jan. 7, falling 54-50. The two teams were tied after one quarter with Nooksack Valley up by six at halftime. Unfortunately, a bad third quarter did the team in as they scored only six points, but gave up 14. The Pioneers attempted a rally, but fell short in the end. Anthony Reese led the team with 15 points, while Kyle Impero added 11.
On Jan. 5, Nooksack Valley began their four game skid, losing in a tight match against Lynden Christian, 49-48. The two teams battled throughout the game, leaving the game knotted up at 48 with nine seconds remaining. Lynden Christian hit a free throw, putting them in the lead. With seconds left in the game, Westergreen attempted an open three pointer that just missed as the clock ran out. Brent Gwinner led the team with 17 points.