We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
The Chinook Sugarbeeters were in Shelby this past Friday for a pair of non-conference clashes at the annual Coyote Pre-Season Tip-Off Classic basketball tournament. On Friday morning, the ‘Beeters took on the Eureka Lions where they were defeated 74-65. Saturday night, Chinook played the final game of the tournament against the host Shelby Coyotes and again were defeated 68-42 to fall to 0-3 on the young season.
Friday afternoon, the ‘Beeters had the offense going a bit, tallying 18 first quarter points. The defense, however, gave up 22. Freshman Ryan Bell closed the deficit to one, 22-21 with a three ball to start the second, but the Lions would have an answer. Chinook fought hard to stay close but trailed 35-27 at the break.
Senior Gyme Kelly had a big third quarter for the ‘Beeters scoring 15 in the frame, including two from distance to help the ‘Beeters close the gap to one, 49-48, entering the fourth quarter. Eureka gained control quickly and opened up a 59-49 lead over Chinook with 5:45 left in the contest. The Lions would push the lead to 72-53 before settling for a 74-65 win over Chinook. Senior Jackson Nordboe led the way with 24 points while Kelly finished with 18.
On Saturday the ‘Beeters took on the home-standing Shelby Coyotes in the tournament finale. The ‘Beeters played well early on and led 16-15 heading into the second quarter. Nordboe scored five in the first and Kelly added four. The second quarter belonged to the Coyotes, who won the quarter 24-11 to lead 39-27 at the break. Shelby maintained control throughout the second half, securing a 68-42 win over the ‘Beeters. Kelly led the ‘Beeter attack with 16 points. Nordboe added eight as did freshman Jameson Nordboe.
The Sugarbeeters will be back on the court Saturday for their Home and District 1B opener against the Shelby Coyotes. They will head out on the road on December 19 to Fort Benton where they will take on the Longhorns and then close out 2023 with a home contest against the Rocky Boy Stars in a District 1B clash.
