The Noxon Lady Red Devils came oh so close to winning their first game but, in the end, the visiting Alberton Panthers escaped Noxon with a 29-27 win Thursday. In other District 14C action last week, the Devils fell 73-12 to the league-leading Charlo Vikings, also in Noxon Saturday.

Coach Cory Brodmerkle and her Lady Devils complete regular season play this week with three games, at Plains Tuesday, versus Two Eagle River in Noxon Friday and finally, at Superior Saturday. The game at Plains is non-conference while the other two are 14C contests.

Brodmerkle was happy with what she saw from her young team against Alberton. “The girls played outstanding,” she said. “They were moving the ball and looking for open shots. They were looking like a team and were having fun out there.”

Brodmerkle said the game came down to the free throw line, when Noxon tried unsuccessfully to intentionally miss the free throw to get another shot at a two-pointer at the end.

Sandy Bonney, Abigail Yoder and Nevaeh Christensen scored six points each for the Lady Devils, Kaylie Mercer added four, Georgia Rose three and Sydnie Eichert two. Yoder also secured 10 rebounds and six steals, and passed out five assists, Kaylie Mercer grabbed eight rebounds and Emily Yoder five boards and six steals.

Against Charlo, Abigail Yoder scored six points, Brielle MacArthur three, Bonney two and Emily Yoder one.

Brodmerkle said that the Devils could be on a collision course for another meeting with Alberton at the 14C tourney in Polson. “Districts are coming up in a couple of week and it looks like we will have a chance at Alberton again,” she said. “When we do face them we will be ready.”