Shorthanded Rangers winning

IONE – The Selkirk Rangers boys basketball team got a couple wins last week despite missing some seniors.

“We were playing shorthanded — missing two seniors against Curlew and all three against Columbia-Hunters — but I was really pleased with how guys stepped up and filled roles, Ranger coach Brodie Larson said. “Our defensive pressure and rebounding were big keys, and it was good to see that next-man-up mentality help us earn a couple of important league wins.”

The Rangers beat Curlew 50-36 at Curlew Tuesday, Jan. 13 and got a 6242 win over Columbia-Hunters Friday, Jan. 16 at home.

Kipton Corkhill led Ranger scoring against Curlew, with 16 points. Lane Reed scored 10. Paxson Larson scored eight, including two 3-pointers. He also had eight steals. Larson, Reed and Henry Thompson each had eight rebounds.

Against Columbia-Hunters, the Rangers had to overcome a seven-point first quarter deficit, trailing 19-12. They held Columbia to eight second quarter points and took a 31-27 halftime lead. The teams played an 18-18 third quarter before the Rangers went on a 15-9 fourth quarter surge to extend their lead and for the Northeast 1B League win.

Corkhill and Zach Van Meer each scored 15 to lead Selkirk scoring. Thompson scored a dozen points. Van Meer hit three 3-pointers and Corkhill one. Logan Maupin also hit a 3-pointer, the only one he attempted.

Larson led the Rangers in rebounding, with 11. Thompson and Van Meer had seven boards. Larson also had five steals, and Van Meer had four.

Selkirk (4-6, 6-8) played Northport Tuesday, Jan. 20. Thursday, Jan. 22, they will go to Cusick (3-7, 6-8) for the Battle for the Paddle spirit game that starts at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, the Rangers are home against Republic (72, 10-5) for a game that starts at 5 p.m.