Canton Dismantles Blue Dragons
by Tad Heitkamp, Head Coach
On January 12th, 2023, the Blue Dragons once again found themselves on the road as they traveled down to Canton to take on the C-Hawks. The home team didn’t take long to show their dominance as they defeated the visiting Blue Dragons 38-77.
“Canton came out right away in a full-court press that we just were not able to handle tonight,” stated Coach Heitkamp. “We worked on the press break at practice, but we just can’t recreate the length and athleticism Canton puts on the floor each and every night. The kids didn’t give up and they kept battling through the adversity, but unfortunately we came up short.”
Ramsey Schweitzer (6 rebounds) and Sam Schleuter (4 steals and 3 assists) once again led the Blue Dragons in the scoring column netting 11 and 9 points each. Ian Buettner (4 rebounds) collected 7 points, while Blaine Trower and Matthew Gilbert dropped in 4 points apiece. Dylan Jessen (4 rebounds) and Brecken Weir rounded out the scoring with 2 and 1 point respectively.
Blue Dragons Come Up Short Against Colman/Egan
The Blue Dragons didn’t have long to lick their wounds as they were back on the bus the next day heading to Colman to battle the Hawks. The Blue Dragons battled for an entire 32 minutes, but could not secure a victory as Colman/Egan sent the Blue Dragons home with a 58-66 defeat.
“We did a lot of very good things this evening with the exception of finishing at the hoop,” indicated Heitkamp. “The guys did a great job attacking the rim, but for whatever reason we could not get the ball to drop through the net. When we sat down and watched film together as a team and we counted over 12 missed lay-ups or point-blank shots we could not convert the first half alone. We know the kids are not trying to miss theses shots, but it is up to them to stay focused and finish at the rim.”
Sam Schleuter (6 rebounds and 2 steals) had an outstanding night as he was the game high scorer with 23 points, while Ramsey Schweitzer (5 rebounds) dented the nets for 15 points of his own. Matthew Gilbert (2 assists) had his best night in a varsity uniform collecting 8 points as Ian Buettner (8 rebounds) chipped in with 6 points. Blaine Trower (5 rebounds and 2 assists) and Dylan Jessen finished the night with 4 and 2 points.
Tanagers Get Best of Dragons
The Blue Dragons played host to the Vermillion Tanager’s on January 20th, 2023, but unfortunately came up a little short as they were defeated 46-76.
“The team was playing pretty solid basketball the opening half, but an injury to starting guard Ramsey Schweitzer right before half-time seemed to deflate any momentum we had,” stated Coach Heitkamp. “He took a solid elbow right below the eye that required some stitches, but he is going to be ok.”
The Blue Dragons once again showed signs that they can play with anyone in the area as the game didn’t get out of reach until mid-way through the final stanza.
“We keep coaching and encouraging the kids every day…that they can compete at a high level, but it is going to take a team effort to accomplish those goals.”
Ian Buettner (4 rebounds) and Ramsey Schweitzer (6 rebounds) had the hot hands as they dented the nets for 17 and 16 points, while Sam Schleuter (4 rebounds) dropped down 9 points of his own. Blaine Trower and Brecken Weir added 2 points respectively.
DSU Classic Shootout Sees Tigers Jump Ahead
The Blue Dragons had the privilege to participate in the Annual Dakota State Classic in Madison, SD on January 21st, 2023, as they battled a tough Howard Tigers teams.
Howard jumped out to an early lead and never looked back as they took down the Blue Dragons 18-63.
“This was one of those games that all players and coaches just want to eliminate from the memory bank,” stated Heitkamp. “We came out of the locker not ready to play and it showed from the tip-off. The one area that we take a lot of pride in is our effort on the court and that just wasn’t the case this afternoon.”
Senior guard Sam Schleuter was the lone bright spot as connected for 13 points, while Brecken Weir collected 3 points of his own. Ramsey Schweitzer and Blaine Trower finished out the scoring with a point a piece.
After taking on the Flandreau Fliers Tuesday (results not available at press time), the team again is hitting the home court on Monday, Jan. 30 versus Dell Rapids St. Mary's, a game that was postponed from earlier in the month due to weather. Varsity is slated to begin play at 6:45 p.m.
