by Tad Heitkamp, head coach
On January 9th, 2020, the Blue Dragons traveled to Flandreau to open the 2020 Big East Conference Tournament against the host Fliers. The home team jumped out to an early 21 to 13 first quarter lead, before the Blue Dragons battled back making the score 30-28 at halftime.
“Something just finally clicked in the second quarter with concerns to our defensive intensity. We were communicating, not allowing second chance opportunities, and capitalizing on their miscues with easy transition buckets,” said Coach Heitkamp. “We have the ability to play with anyone on any given night, we just need to bring that to the court every time.”
Unfortunately, the Blue Dragons couldn’t keep the momentum rolling as they fell short 49-61. Trey Buckneberg (4 rebounds) was the team’s leading scorer as he dented the nets for 15 points, while Cooper Long dropped down 10 points. Lucas Fitzgerald (8 rebounds and 2 assists) followed that up with 7 points of his own. Josef Zahn chipped in with 5 points, as Tristin Rekstad (4 rebounds) and Jake Schroeder (3 assists) connected for 3 points each. Dylan Kindt, Cole Skadsen, and Hayden Olofson rounded out the scoring with 2 points apiece.
The following evening the Blue Dragons were back on the bus traveling to Flandreau to take on the Beresford Watchdogs, who came into the contest winless. The Watchdogs came out of the locker firing on all cylinders as they scorched the nets for 16 points (5-3 pointers), while holding the Blue Dragons to just 2 first quarter points.
“We were not ready to play tonight, which was evident by our lack of defensive intensity and offensive production the opening 8 minutes. So...we needed a spark going into the second quarter and that spark was Sam Schleuter,” explained Coach Heitkamp. “He flew
around the court making plays, which fired up the rest of the team, getting us back into the game. We don’t care if our leader is a senior or a freshman...we just want someone willing to lay it on the line for his team and that is exactly what Sam did for us tonight.”
The Blue Dragons out played their opponent the final three quarters, but just couldn’t get over the hump as they fell short 41-45.
“We dug ourselves such a deep hole the first quarter, but I was proud of how the kids battled back to at least give us an opportunity at the end...we just came up a couple points short,” stated Heitkamp.
Josef Zahn (6 rebounds) led the way with 13 points, with Dylan Kindt following close with 11 points. Trey Buckneberg (5 rebounds) and Cooper Long (3 assists) added 6 points each, while Lucas Fitzgerald (2 steals) and Cole Skadsen (2 steals) rounded out the scoring with 4 and 1 points respectively.
The team was once again back on the road the next day traveling to Sioux Valley to play in the 7th Place game against the Chester Flyers. The Blue Dragons defeated the Flyers a week earlier, so they were out for a little revenge, which they got as they dismantled the Blue Dragons 38-51.
“We had a very tough weekend, but the guys are committed to getting better and that’s exactly what we are going to do,” explained Heitkamp.
Josef Zahn (6 rebounds) once again led the Blue Dragons in the scoring column with 11 points, while Hayden Olofson (2 steals) had a nice game with 8 points. Cole Skadsen, Lucas Fitzgerald, and Sam Schleuter collected 5, 4, and 3 points each. Jake Schroeder (3 assists), Cooper Long, and Brady Debates all netted 2 points, while Dylan Kindt (6 rebounds and 2 steals) had 1 point.
The Blue Dragons are back home tonight, Jan. 16, to face off against West Central! Go Big Blue!
