Sam Kopveiler lines up a 3-point shot during Friday’s Highway 10 Showdown in New York Mills.

By Chad Koenen

Publisher

The New York Mills Eagles fell to 0-15 overall and 0-9 in the Park Region Conference with a tough 75-38 loss to Wadena-Deer Creek on Friday night in the inaugural Highway 10 Showdown. As part of the festivities, elementary basketball players from each community played one another in a winner-take-all matchup. A total of seven games were played throughout the day, with the team that won the most games being awarded the Challenge Cup traveling trophy.

Finn Roder drives to the basket during Friday’s game against Wadena-Deer Creek.

Unfortunately, the Wolverines were able to secure six wins to come away with the new trophy. 

“We lost the Showdown 6-1, but more importantly we saw a lot of excited kids playing for their towns and programs in a way that felt more connected than ever,” said head coach Mike Baune. “Regardless of the outcome of this year’s contest, I felt it was something I wanted to see happen between the two towns to ignite a fun rivalry while also getting the youth programs involved and having something exciting to play for each year.”

This week the Eagles will travel to Menahga on Thursday night and Frazee on Saturday in a pair of games. 

The Eagles will return home on Tuesday, Feb. 6 when they host the Pillager Huskies.