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CUSICK — In the 2026 Battle for the Paddle, the Cusick High School girls’ basketball team played Northeast 1B North league rival Selkirk for the third time this season, with the Panthers getting the win 48-46 after having lost to the Rangers twice.
At sixth place in the league, Cusick (4-11, 2-10) hosted Selkirk (12-7, 8-4) for the Battle for the Paddle Thursday, Jan. 22. Selkirk was three places ahead of Cusick at third in the league.
“This was the annual Spirit Game for Cusick and Selkirk,” Selkirk coach Kelly Cain said. “It is a really fun game to participate in because of the amped up atmosphere. It has a strong playoff vibe to it.”
Both teams were evenly matched throughout all four quarters. They tied 1111 in the first quarter, before Cusick managed to overtake Selkirk 2319 as they headed into intermission. Though Selkirk closed the gap by 2 points in the third quarter, Cusick still led 37-35, securing the win in the fourth quarter after the teams tied again 11-11.
“We came up a bucket short, but overall, I was pleased with our effort and how we played,” Cain said.
Kinley Petrich led Selkirk that night with 16 points. Laylee Strickler had 8 points and led in assists with four. Leading in rebounds was Jessa Culianan with 14. Millie Smith had 10. Rice led in steals with three.
Cusick player statistics were not available by The Miner’s weekly deadline Tuesday, Jan. 27.
“Both teams really went at it,” Cain said.
