SPIRIT LAKE ― “We played probably as well as we had played all year,” Tiger coach Matt Stevenson said. “We made some changes defensively that really made things difficult for them.

He added, “It was just a game of runs and they made the last run. We played with mental toughness, competed every single possession. I am super proud of our kids and team for how they played, it was just unfortunate that we couldn’t pull out a big win.”

SPENCER — “This is why we do it,” said David Doebel.

Doebel’s Spencer Tiger wrestlers used a pin at heavy weight to record a victory over visiting Estherville Lincoln Central as part of a Lakes Conference sweep over the Midgets and Cherokee in the field house Thursday. They topped ELC 36-35, and the Braves in more lopsided fashion, 53-23.

AMES ― Although the Spencer boys finished near the bottom of Saturday’s at the Jack Mendenhall Invitational in Ames, the Tigers 12th place and 50 points were a testament to the team’s ability to overcome the struggles the past week.

David Doebel, Spencer boys wrestling coach, said, “Overall I'm happy with our performance. It's been a long, emotional week with close duals, injuries, early travel and a gauntlet of a tournament to end it.

WATERLOO — Spencer may have finished fourth in a five-team meet, unfamiliar territory for the Tiger boys swimmers, but that’s the price you pay in the field at the War Hawk Invite, Saturday. SHS wounds up with 245, 16 behind their third place hosts. Decorah, with 332, won the title by eight points over runner-up Newton. Vinton finished a distant fifth with 35.

Spencer’s boys lost 73-52 to Spirit Lake, giving up 44 points in the second half — including 25 in the third. The was tied at 29 as the teams left the Indians court at the break. A pair of Indians scored a combined 47 for Spirit Lake in the win. After facing Decorah on the road Monday, they will host Estherville Lincoln Central, Tuesday, and Storm Lake, Friday, in Lakes doubleheaders. (Photo by Scott Merchant)

SPENCER BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL

GRAETTINGER — Nichole Hart and Nataley Frerk went 3-0, and Jess Hammond at 2-0, were perfect in back-to-back-to-back weight classes — 125-135 — for Sioux Central girls wrestling program, combining to go 8-0, as the Rebels went 2-1 at the Graettinger-Terril/Ruthven-Ayshire Duals, Thursday.

Giving up six weight classes, Sioux Central downed Manson-NW Webster 36-30, and South Central Calhoun 42-18.

WEST BEND — Leading by 12 at the intermission at West Bend-Mallard Friday night, the visitors provided their traveling base with plenty to be excited about, seeing that dwindle in the third period before pulling away in the final period for a 62-49 conference win.

“WB-M did a lot of nice things, but our girls were resilient and made some big plays when we needed them the most,” said Kasey Krager, Rebel coach.

SHELDON — Duane McGregor, Xander Waldstein and Gavin Casey all produced 3-1 outings, ranging from 144-157 pounds, Saturday, at the Sheldon Invitational in dual action. Sioux Central went 0-4 against Logan-Magnolia, Sheldon/South O’Brien, Storm Lake and Minnesota’s TMB. Additional information and comments weren’t provided by press time.

SIOUX CENTRAL BOYS WRESTLING

Saturday, Jan. 11 — Sheldon

Team Scores

WEST BEND — Making no doubt about it, Sioux Central’s boys basketball team outscored host West Bend-Mallard 29-17 in the first half before putting things away in the third, outscoring the Wolverines 24-11, on its way to a 70-37 Twin Lakes Conference road win.

“Our focus on offense tonight was to really attack gaps in the zone and play in the paint, and I thought we did a great job of that throughout the night,” Rebel head coach Stephen Tjaden said.

We all know how important our fishing and hunting license sales are for our public waters and public lands and research. As a matter of fact, 100% of all license fees go directly to the Fish and Wildlife Trust Fund, and the license dollars are directly reinvested to ensure Iowa maintain its strong outdoor traditions.

The older we get, the faster time seems to fly by. Here we are. It’s a new year and a new fishing season. Let’s think a bit about fishing and why we like to go fishing, through the ice or on open water. Let’s think just a bit … but not too much!

As we move into the ice fishing season, we need to remember the importance of taking care of our surroundings. So many people are so good at this, but this message is for those who are inconsiderate and uncaring, oblivious of their surroundings.

CARROLL ― Six points separated the runner up Spencer Tigers girls from first-place Logan-Magnolia, Monday night, at the Kuemper Catholic Invite.

“We wrestled pretty well, all nine girls placed for us,” said Dave Storm, the Spencer team’s coach, “that's a big deal having all the girls place, and contribute to the team score.

Spencer had five of its nine in the finals, with one champion Kiara Ruiz at 100.

MASON CITY — Twenty-five by Mason City in the third was the difference in an otherwise very close game at the Spencer basketball girls traveled to take on the Riverhawks. Trailing by two points at the intermission, Mason City more than doubled up on the Tigers, outscoring their guests 25-12 to secure the 53-38 victory. The loss dropped Spencer to 4-6 while the Riverhawks moved to 6-4.

SPENCER — Since the Austin Roberts Memorial to close out 2024, Spencer Tigers boys wrestling team unfolded the mats at home, hosting 2A top 10-ranked Sergeant Bluff-Luton and Sioux Center, going 1-1 on the night. The Tigers defeated the Warriors in the nightcap 54-30, and lost to SB-L 46-30. Spencer surrendered 12 points to both teams in forfeits at 113 and 120.