WGR vs Jordan- Small Town Big Dream

By Samantha Elliott

Friday night brought a bright light to the Winnett Gym. After many seniors were recognized, a slight sadness covered the small-town crowd. It hit a lot of people that this would be the seniors last home game of their high school careers.

The Winnett school was given the MHSA Academic award for excellence on and off the fields and courts of the high school scene. All four of the senior girls from Winnett graced us with what was the last time we would hear any of them sing the National Anthem before a home game. As always it was a beautiful scene as people young and old, stood to enjoy the final tune of this year's seniors.

The girls' game was a battle of experience and strength. With this years Lady Ram team consisting of two seniors, one junior, three freshmen and two eight grades it has been a tough battle for this young team. As the year closes out and we head to tournaments, we have learned that this team fully support the towns motto of "small town, big dreams". The Lady Rams lost by ten points in a tough game against the Lady Mustangs.

From the final buzzer of the girls' game, it became very clear the Rams varsity boys' team was quite a bit smaller than it normal thirteen boys. With only one senior, three juniors, four sophomores (two of which have been faced with not being able to play varsity this season), two freshman, and three eight graders, the team tonight was short four of teammates. As they began to warm up the feelings of emotion hit the crowd. "Would the boys get beat horribly by this powerhouse team from Jordan?" "Could the young boys on the team take the leap to be a playing with the big boys?" We were all about to find out. The starting line up for the Jordan Mustang, was the name Murnion again and again, as the crowd members spoke silent prayers to give the Rams strength. The line up for the Rams was two eight graders, a sophomore, a single junior, and the teams only senior. The game was nothing short of a nail biter. Young boys playing years more of experience, team leaders being pushed to the test, but above all sportsmanship was at an all time high. One eighth grader scored four of the Rams points, another scored 25, but above the points, rebounds, and fast breaks was a scene so few may have recognized. Compassion for the game, young players coming up, and older players standing tall to lead their team no matter how big or small they may be.

The Winnett Rams and Lady Rams have played a hard season and will compete in the Class C District Tournaments in Great Falls. Even though it was Valentines Day, and it was a bittersweet farewell to the Seniors of both teams, love for the game and community was very strong Friday night in the Winnett Gym.