Pirates secure much-needed win, mature on court
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POLSON – The Polson Pirates began the season with some growing pains on the basketball court. With only two seniors on the roster, “young team” is the very definition of the Pirates’ club.
Yet Head Coach Brad Pluff is taking it all in stride as he nurtures his team to victories, gaining their first win on Friday against the Ronan Chiefs.
“It was a much needed win,” Pluff said. “It was a team effort and a good sign we’re getting better.”
The Pirates bench came alive Friday night, blowing away the Chiefs 51-37 and showing that with hard work and heart, they will be a team to be reckoned with.
“There’s no reason we can’t compete,” Pluff said. “It was a good way to start the new year.”
Seniors Andrew Weltz and Cedrick Smith led the victory with Weltz netting 17 points and Smith adding 10. Weltz and Smith are breaking out as team leaders, according to Pluff, with Weltz already showing promise in conference by boasting a top-five placement in rebounds. “Andrew is having a great year and Ced is playing very well – he’s our go-to guy,” Pluff said. “They both are great leaders, both on and off the court.”
Pluff is also seeing great things from his young team as a whole and sees postseason contentions in their future.
“We’re getting better every week,” he said. “So many players are contributing, and that’s what makes it nice.”
Friday also marked a day when players and fans alike came together and wore red to celebrate a great man whom the kids so fondly called “Buck.” Donald Young, who recently passed from cancer, was a big spark under the kids’ feet as he hosted practices, announced games and brought smiles to kids’ and fans’ faces. In honor of Young, Polson High School is raising funds to support sports scholarships.
“He never missed a game,” Pluff said. “He was such a great supporter and just a good person.”
The Pirates will head to Columbia Falls Jan. 9 and then meet up with Corvallis at home Jan. 14. “They’re both tough teams,” Pluff said. “It will be a good test for us.”
If you would like to donate to Polson’s “Buck Young” scholarship program, please contact Polson High School.
Polson 7 15 15 14 – 51
Ronan 12 6 14 5 – 37
Andrew Weltz 17, Cedrick Smith 10, Chris McDonald 7, Zadin Bautista 6, Tanner Wilson 6, Hudson Smith 2, Payton Lefthand 2, Andrew Curley 1.
