IRON RIVER – Prior to their matchup with Escanaba on Wednesday, the West Iron County Wykons hadn’t posted a win since Dec. 17 when they beat the Eskymos 50-43 in Escanaba.

But led by Bristol Shamion’s 17 points and Lily De Sousa’s 15, the Wykons ended their five-game skid by defeating the Eskymos again, this time a 44-34 triumph at Charles Greenlund Gymnasium.

Still, WIC coach Eric Shamion saw a mixed bag from his team’s performance in a game that was foul-riddled from the start.

“We hadn’t won since December, and we needed this for a confidence builder,” he said. “I thought the girls gave good energy at times throughout the game, but just the execution on offense I guess is what I’m disappointed in.”

The Wykons (3-6) committed 22 turnovers against Escanaba’s variety of defenses. However, the Eskymos were charged with 26 fouls and saw starters Susie Moberg, Landry Bray and Ava Stalboerger foul out.

In total, West Iron shot 17 of 35 (48.5%) from the line. Bristol Shamion sank nine, De Sousa hit six and Lacey Shamion added two.

Aided by all their trips to the line, the Wykons played from in front almost the whole way. West Iron led 10-6 after the first quarter, 21-14 at halftime and 32-24 after three quarters.

The Eskymos (1-9) stayed within five late in the third quarter, but West Iron embarked on a 9-0 run bridging the third and fourth quarters to establish a 38-24 lead and effectively extinguishing Escanaba’s hopes.

During the decisive run, Bristol Shamon sank a free throw, De Sousa connected on two driving shots and Laurel Johnson sank two layups.

“Credit the kids,” coach Shamion said. “They are determined, at times, they want to win and they’re trying hard and I give them credit for that.”

Shamion also praised his team’s defensive activity, which helped force 31 turnovers from Escanaba.

Ava Stalboerger paced the Eskymos with nine points, while Aubrey Mylander added seven and Bray and Brooklyn Beauchamp chipped in with five each.

ESCANABA – Beauchamp 1 3-6 5, VanDamme 1 0-0 3, Moberg 1 1-2 3, Bray 2 1-3 5, Mylander 2 3-4 7, Stalboerger 4 1-4 9, Anderson 1 0-0 2. Totals: 12 9-19 34. 3-point field goals:1 (VanDamme).

WEST IRON COUNTY – B. Shamion 4 9-16 17, De Sousa 4 6-10 15, Sucholl 1 0-1 2, L. Shamion 1 2-6 4, Johnson 3 0-0 6, Smith 0 0-2 0. Totals: 13 17-35 44. 3-point field goals: 1 (De Sousa).

PREP BASKETBALL SCORES

Wednesday, Jan. 21

GIRLS

Baraga 74, Ironwood 35

L’Anse 72, Wakefield-Marenisco Gogebic 64

West Iron County 44, Escanaba 34

BOYS

Ironwood 49, Baraga 46

Newberry 50, Stephenson 33

North Dickinson 45, Norway 38

Pickford 66, Manistique 49

Rudyard 69, Munising 53

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Compiled by Daily News sports correspondent Jerry DeRoche.