“I,” a voice rang out.

“I,” the response was made. “I believe,” the voice returned. “I believe,” the response did too. “I believe that we will win.” “I believe that we will win.” With back and forth cheering from the fans this past Friday night, the Stanley-Boyd girls varsity basketball team soared to victory over Bloomer, with the final score tally 51 to 41 in the Orioles favor. Earlier the same week, the Orioles soared to victory over the Thorp Cardi- nals, the final score tally being 55 to 41. With all team members present and accounted for, it was a good week for Stanley-Boyd. Reached after the two-game victory, varsity girls coach Alison Becker shared some thoughts on what went right for the week, scoring wise.

“The Team did a great job of being consistent in both halves,” she said. “They found some competitive stamina which was very encouraging as a coach to see, especially when we have been on the losing side with several close games.”

As to individual player mentions, the performance of forward Lily Hoel and guard Leslie Derks against Thorp drew mention from Becker.

“Both are Seniors and are feeling that sense of urgency, and want to go out playing their best basketball,” she said. Hoel scored a total of 22 points against Thorp while Derks scored 19. Junior Mallory Eslinger also came in for mention in the game against Bloomer.

"Mal did a great job finishing at the free throw line and helping put her team in a comfortable lead with a few minutes still left in the game,” Coach Becker said. “Anytime we can limit our foul trouble with our players is very important for our success,” she said.

As to the game against Thorp Tuesday, the Orioles came away with eight fouls in the first half, reducing this to six in the second. Meanwhile, Junior Kayte Licht came away with sev- en game points total (five in the first half and two in the second), while Senior Jessica Hazuga pulled away with five in the second, made up of one free throw and a two from inside the threepoint line.

Senior Emme Felmlee scored two points for the team in Tuesday’s game against Thorp.

Shifting from the game against Thorp to Bloomer, the Orioles scored a total of 51 points to 41 on Bloomer’s side.

Of the Oriole points, 18 were made by Lily Hoel, 12 by Junior Tina Benson, six by Hazuga, five by Licht, four by Derks, four by Eslinger, and two by Felmlee. As to fouls in the game

against Bloomer, the Orioles made seven in the first half and reduced this to six in the second, for a total of 13.

As to what fans can expect moving forward, Becker said that, “We hope to keep competing and bringing our “A” game every night.”

Moving forward in the season then, the Oriole girls varsity is scheduled to face off next with Osseo-Fairchild at home Thursday February 3, followed with a home game against Regis on February 8.

Following the face off with Regis, it’s on the road for an away game against Fall Creek starting at 7:30 p.m. on February 11, while February 17 will see the Oriole girls play against 3rd Place East at home, , with Crossover games scheduled away on February 19.

"You can't do that!" The Oriole fan section informs the other side they've broken official basketball rules, as Kayte Licht walks past with a Thorp player. Photo by Joseph Back.

Emme Felmlee found herself looking for someone to pass the ball to in Tuesday’s game against Thorp, boxed in by the Thorp defense. Photo by Joseph Back.

The 2021 girls basketball varsity team took time after Friday’s game for a group photo. Bottom row, from left: Aaliyah Allard, Lauren Potaczek, Felicity Conley, Tina Benson, Alivia Vircks, Leslie Derks, Kayte Licht. Top row (from left) Mallory Eslinger, Teagen Becker, Emme Felmlee, Lily Hoel, Jessica Hazuga, Josie Podolak. Photo by Joseph Back.