The Durand Railroaders, adorned in their school colors of blue and white, delivered a commanding performance tonight, clinching a resounding 80-40 victory over Owooso in the first round. The final horn echoed triumph as the Railroaders secured their 19th win of the season, marking a repeat of their success from the previous year and extending their winning streak to an impressive 11 games.

The Railroaders asserted their dominance throughout the game, dictating the tempo from the first quarter with a score of 16-9, extending their lead to 35-15 by halftime, and maintaining a commanding 66-29 advantage at the end of the third quarter. The conclusive final score stood at 80-40, showcasing the team's exceptional skill and cohesion.

This remarkable feat of 19 wins is a historic moment for the Durand Railroaders, a milestone that hasn't been achieved since the 1977-78 season. It's only the second time in the school's history that the boys' basketball team has reached this impressive win total. Notably, the 1977-78 season boasted a remarkable record of 21-1, a nostalgic connection for many as it coincides with the birth year of this exciting era.

Individual performances shone brightly on the court, with standout contributions from key players:

• Markell Tate: Led the charge with 26 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 8 steals.
• Kwin Knapp: Contributed 17 points, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block.
• Jakob Nebo: Added 9 points and 1 assist to the scoreboard.
• Brayden Joslin: Showcased versatility with 2 points, 7 assists, 2 rebounds, and 5 steals.
• Darius Aldrich: Contributed 2 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 block.
• Brayden Kelley: Secured 7 points, 5 assists, and 4 steals.
• Levi Smith: Impacted both ends with 12 points, 3 blocks, 6 rebounds, and 1 steal.
• Logan Schubart: Made defensive plays with 1 block and 2 rebounds.
• Kingsten Kilburn: Displayed teamwork with 2 assists.
• Carter Boisclair: Contributed with 1 assist.
• Cameron Aldrich: Added 2 crucial points.
• Aidan Seigrist: Rounded off the performance with 3 points.

This victory underscores the exceptional teamwork and skill displayed by the Durand Railroaders, with each player making significant contributions to the team's success. As they bask in the glory of their 19th win, the Railroaders now set their sights on the upcoming challenge, facing Power on 2/28/24 at 5:30 pm at Owosso High School. The journey continues, and the Railroaders are ready for the next chapter of their impressive season.