I-SÂ shares conference title
By Holly Neumann
The Iola-Scandinavia Thunderbirds defeated the Menominee Indian Eagles 78-39 at home on Thursday, Feb 21.
The T-Birds now share the conference title with the Shiocton Chiefs. Each has an 11-1 record.
During the first half of the game, Justin Sivertson and Connor Kurki scored 12 and 11 points respectively to give the T-Birds a 41-23 lead at the half. Norman Kakwitch put in 9 for the Eagles.
In the final half, I-S fans began chanting at the 2 minute mark for Coach Sam Bertsch to put Justin Merryfield into the game. Merryfield, who has seen minimal playing time this season, made it onto the court with just under 1:30 left in the game.
With time ticking away, and a play specifically designed for him, Merryfield squared up to the basket, took a shot and sank a 3-pointer with 9 seconds left on the clock, bringing the fans on both sides of the gym to their feet. This was Merryfield’s first time putting points on the board this season.
“I was not sure it was going in,” said Merryfield. “When it did it was a good feeling.”
The T-Birds outscored the Eagles 37-16 during the last period, with Charlie Stockwell scoring 7 and giving I-S the win.
Leading the way for I-S was Sivertson with 18, followed by Connor Kurki with 16 and Carter Kurki with 11.
Topping the scoring for the Menominee Indian Eagles was Kakwitch with 13 and Menom Powles with 9.
With the win I-S shares the conference title with Shiocton. This will be the first conference title for the T-Birds in 11 years.
The T-Birds will have a bye for the first round of WIAA regional basketball. They will play the winner of the Oconto and Coleman at home on March 1.
