Boys lose close game to Wrenshall

The Vikings fought back and nearly beat the Wrenshall Wrens last Friday in Wrenshall. The Viking girls’ varsity game was cancelled due to COVID-19 exposure. Photo courtesy of Andy Feddema

Young teams often have growing pains, and losing close games is part of the process of getting better. It’s not fun, but necessary to keep fighting through the losses to keep improving, and the Cook County boys’ basketball team is doing just that. As a result, the team is getting better and better, although the end results might not always show it.

The recent game against the Wrenshall Wrens was a point in case.

Down 12 at the half, the Cook County Boys’ basketball team fought back and made it close against the Wrenshall Wrens last Friday, January 7, in a game played in Wrenshall. With just over a minute to play, the Vikings were down five, 53-48, and had their chances, but the big shots wouldn’t drop, and the team fell 55-48.

“It was a close game for us that we just couldn’t close the deal on,” said Head Coach Andy Feddema. “We battled hard the entire game.”

The Vikings were led by Junior guard Paul Dorr, Daunte Deschampe, and Isaac Sandstrom.

“Paul Dorr was big for us tonight and was really aggressive driving to the basket, scoring 25 points and gathering five rebounds,” Coach Feddema said.

“In his first game back for our team this season, Daunte Deschampe scored 13 points and pulled down five rebounds, all in the second half. He is working on getting back into game shape and finding a rhythm,” said Coach Feddema, adding, “And I need to acknowledge Isaac Sandstrom as well; he played close to 30 minutes for us tonight and gave us absolutely everything he had. He is a kid who is always in the right spot, and he played to the best of his ability.

Rounding out the stat sheet for the Vikings were Jacob Dorr with six points and five rebounds and Isaac Sandstrom with four points.

“We just couldn’t get the big shots we needed down the stretch,” said the coach. “Our boys never gave up, and that’s what allowed us to have a chance at the end.”