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IRON RIVER -- The West Iron County Wykons jumped out to a 10-point lead after the opening quarter and went on to a 44-24 win Friday in the first game of this year's series against Forest Park at Charles Greenlund Gymnasium.
Danica Shamion scored five of her game-high 15 points in the opening eight minutes as West Iron (2-4) claimed a 13-3 lead.
West Iron coach Eric Shamion said the game didn't quite have the energy he wanted.
"This game was strange in that it didn't have much rhythm," he said. "The gym was quiet for a rivalry game. It sure didn't feel like a Friday night game."
West Iron attempted to press the Lady Trojans, who have had some difficulty with their ball handling so far this season. But Forest Park handled the pressure better and West Iron didn't get what it wanted from the tactic.
"We pressured their ball handlers but it didn't produce many points," Shamion said.
"Our guards are starting to attack the press more," coach Kim Bjork added.
West Iron upped its lead up to 24-12 at halftime and 35-21 after three quarters.
Junior Kali Harty contributed to West Iron's victory with seven points, while sophomores Adi Franzene and Seanna Stine added five each.
With the win, the Wykons broke a three-game losing streak.
"I'm hoping this victory helps build some confidence in these girls," Shamion said.
Forest Park, which dropped its seventh straight game, was led by senior Gracie Peterson's 12 points. Senior guard Rayven Jacobson chipped in with five points.
Bjork said her team remains committed to improvement.
"Our girls are working hard and focusing on getting better defensively," Bjork said. "We have very good energy from our girls, they want to get better."
West Iron has a tough road back-to-back this week with a trip to Negaunee tonight and then to Menominee on Wednesday.
The Lady Trojans are off until Friday when they travel to Stephenson.