Junior High Lynx meet Drummond in basketball duel

Junior high games, especially at the beginning of the season, can be a combination of mass pandemonium and falling-down frustration as every player on the court grabs for the elusive ball.

On the other hand, local fans see glimpses of future greatness in the youngsters as they watch their boys dribble the full court, make lay-up baskets and execute coach's offensive plays. Every Lynx player was tuned up to show Mom and Dad what they are learning in practice. "Learning" being the operative word.

In the A-game last Thursday, fierce defense by seventh grade athlete Wesson Dempster stole the ball from the Drummond Junior Trojans four times. Dempster's high voltage, 'in your face' coverage of the Trojan offense earned him a five-and-out foul record by the end of the game, but his intensity spurred on the other Lynx to keep their enthusiasm up, despite the lopsided loss on the scoreboard.

Leo Lynx, the school mascot, was up and down the sidelines in full furry uniform to keep the crowd in the game and get the fans united in cheering. The crowd, mostly parents, didn't need much encouragement in that department.

Stats show the junior lynx racked up impressive rebounds. Trever Tolan led with eight, and Wesson Dempster followed with three. Dempster and Andrew Brown each scored four points.

In the "B" game of the younger players from 4th through 6th grade, the contest was also an uphill battle that ended 10-25 in Trojan favor.

One bright moment was a long ball shot from beyond the arc by Roegun Dietz, who also totaled seven rebounds. Dietz seemed as surprised as the fans when his ball swished through the net. Andrew Brown added six points to the score and Asa Lattin contributed two points.

Many of the junior Lynx players have never played basketball until they moved to Lincoln in the last two years, but as their skills develop so will their confidence and performance.