by Coach Tad Heitkamp
Cold Shooting Dooms Blue Dragons
On January 4th, 2022, the Blue Dragons took the short trip to Dell Rapids to battle the Cardinal’s from St. Mary’s. The Blue Dragons played some inspired basketball on the defensive side of the ball, but unfortunately things weren’t falling offensively as the Cardinal’s defeated the Blue Dragons 33-25.
“The kids played so well tonight, but were not rewarded for their efforts,” stated Head Coach Tad Heitkamp. “Anytime you hold your opponent to 33 points you expect to win, but that just didn’t happen. We got great looks all night long, but just couldn’t convert on the offensive end of the court. We are going to get after it with different shooting drills and get back on track, because this team is too good not to be winning games.”
Cooper Long (7 rebounds and 3 steals) and Rhett Kloth (6 rebounds and 3 blocks) led the way with 9 and 6 points. Dylan Kindt (7 rebounds and 3 steals) and Sam Schleuter (4 rebounds and 2 steals) added 4 points each, while Clay Lardy rounded out the night with 2 points of his own.
Blue Dragon Bring Home Place 3rd In the Big East
On January 6th, the Blue Dragons played host to the Beresford Watchdogs in the opening round of the Big East Conference Tournament. The first half was neck and neck as both teams went into the locker room knotted at 24 points apiece.
“We came out very sluggish the opening quarter as were not shooting with confidence or even attacking the rim with any purpose,” said Heitkamp. “We needed a spark from someone and that someone was Sam Schleuter, who hit a couple of big 3’s late in the quarter to get us going. You could just see us settle down and start playing basketball the rest of the night.”
The Blue Dragons continued executing their offense and shut down the Watchdogs defensively, giving the home team a 48-36 victory.
Sam Schleuter had the hot hand as he dented the nets for 16 points, while Rhett Kloth (11 rebounds) and Cooper Long (4 steals) added 12 and 10 points. Dylan Kindt (8 rebounds and 4 assists) collected 5 points, Isaiah Gnadt and Clay Lardy added 3 and 2 points of their own.
The Blue Dragons were back on the court the following night as they welcomed the Flandreau Fliers to town, which was the semi round of the Big East Conference Tourney.
The Blue Dragons played a very solid opening half as they went into the locker room only down 24-20.
Unfortunately, the Blue Dragons couldn’t keep that momentum going as Flandreau took down the Blue Dragons 55-34.
Cooper Long had a very nice game for the Blue Dragons as he scorched the nets for 20 points. Sam Schleuter and Rhett Kloth knocked down 5 and 4 points, while Isaiah Gnadt and Clay Lardy rounded out the scoring with 3 and 2 points respectively.
In the 3rd Place game, the Blue Dragons faced a familiar foe in the Chester Flyers.
This match-up was back and forth much of the game before the Blue Dragons took control late into the 4th quarter securing a 42-38 victory.
“This was another one of those games that kids did a very nice job on the defensive side, but struggled to get into a rhythm offensively the opening half,” stated Heitkamp. “We were not running through our sets, which led to quick and sometimes forced shots. At the half we emphasized to them that they need to trust the offense, which will lead to some quality looks. Needless to say, the boys took the advice and brought home a 3rd Place finish in the conference tournament.”
Cooper Long (6 rebounds and 2 steals) and Rhett Kloth (11 rebounds and 3 blocks) dropped down 13 and 11 points, as Sam Schleuter (4 rebounds) added 6 points. Dylan Kindt (9 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals) collected 4 points, while Isaiah Gnadt, Clay Lardy, and Cadyn Ockenga hit for 3, 3, and 2 points.
The team now stands at a 5-6 win loss record for the season. Great work this weekend fellas!!! The Blue Dragons will be back on the court January 14th, 2022, as they play host to Colman/Egan.
