by Tad Heitkamp, Head Coach
On December 13th, 2019, the Blue Dragons Boys Basketball team opened the 2019/2020 season on the road as they traveled to Tri Valley to take on the Mustangs. The Blue Dragons came out of the locker room firing on all cylinders as they jumped to an early 17 to 6 lead at the end of the 1st quarter. Coach Heitkamp stated “We did a great job executing our offensive sets and communicated very well on the defensive side of the ball the first half.”
The second quarter was much the same for the visiting team as the Blue Dragons went to the locker room with a 27 to 19 advantage. Unfortunately, the Blue Dragons couldn’t keep the momentum going the second half as the Mustangs were able grind out a 48 to 40 victory.
“We came out the second half trying not to lose the game...instead of just going out to win the game” said Heitkamp. “We have talented athletes, but the lack of experience in these types of games couldn’t get us over the hump tonight.”
Dylan Kindt led the way in the scoring column with 10 points, while Cooper Long knocked down 8 points of his own. Jake Schroeder pitched in with 7 points, along with 10 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 assists. Cole Skadsen collected 6 points, as Trey Buckneberg and Josef Zahn added 4 and 3 points each. Lucas Fitzgerald rounded out the scoring with 2 points and 6 rebounds.
The Blue Dragons got back on the court on December 17th as we hosted the Canton C-Hawks. The Blue Dragons battled the entire game but came up a little short as the home team was defeated 47-56.
“We once again did a very nice job competing all night long, but we let this one get away in the final 8 minutes. We have been focusing on our conditioning since the season opened...now we just need to believe that we can dig a little deeper to come out on top when the final horn sounds.” stated Coach Heitkamp.
Newcomer Josef Zahn was the leading point getter as he netted 10, while Dylan Kindt followed closely with 9 points and 2 assists. Cooper Long (3 steals) and Trey Buckneberg (9 rebounds) each knocked down 8 points, as Cole Skadsen hit for 6 points of his own. Jake Schroeder and Hayden Olofson rounded out the scoring with 5 and 1 points respectively.
The Blue Dragons didn’t have time to dwell on the past as they took to the court two days later and played host to the Hawks from Colman/Egan on December 19th.
“We came out the opening quarter and played maybe the worst basketball of the season, but we were only down 7-12,” said Heitkamp. “We explained to the team...if you buy into our system and work hard on defense you will always be in the game, which was definitely evident at that time.”
The home team continued to work hard and took advantage of some easy scoring opportunities,
which led the Blue Dragons to a 32-31 advantage going into the 4th quarter. Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be as Dalton Voelker (game high 31 points) and Colman/Egan defeated the Blue Dragons 50 to 41.
“We once again went into the final 8 minutes hesitant and unwilling to take over the game,” Heitkamp explained. “We also ran into foul trouble and mental lapses that didn’t help tonight, which is something that will be addressed down the road. The bottom line...we are underachieving right
now, so we are going to make some adjustments and get this team rolling in the right direction.” Jake Schroeder (5 rebounds) led the way with 12 points, while Dylan Kindt (3 assists and 2 steals) and Cooper Long dented the nets for 9 points each. Josef Zahn, Triston Rekstad, and Cole Skadsen finished the night with 5, 3, and 3 points.
The Blue Dragons will be back playing basketball in Chester on Jan. 3. The Entringer classic was postponed because of weather complications.
