by Tad Heitkamp, Coach
On December 11th, 2020, the Blue Dragons opened the 2020/2021 campaign playing host to the Mustangs from Tri Valley.
The Blue Dragons came out of the locker room firing on all cylinders as they lit up the score board with 38 first half points, while holding Tri Valley to 29 points.
“We did a great job executing our offensive sets the first half, which gave our shooters great looks at the basket.” exclaimed Coach Heitkamp.
The home team didn’t let up the second half as they defeated the Mustangs 64-57.
“The kids played hard for 32 minutes tonight, which included playing solid defense not allowing Tri Valley many second chance opportunities. We have emphasized hardnosed defense all pre-season and the kids did just that tonight.”
Tri Valley did make a couple of late runs throughout the second half, but the Blue Dragons put them away on the free throw line going 22 of 29 (76%). Dylan Kindt (7 steals) and Cooper Long scorched that nets tonight hitting for 24 and 23 points apiece. Josef Zahn (6 rebounds) and Evan Bly knocked down 5 points each, while Jake Schroeder (6 assists) and Rave Uhlich rounded out the scoring with 4 and 3 points.
“This was a great team win for kids,” stated Heitkamp. “If we are able to stay within ourselves and play as a team...this group is going to surprise a lot teams throughout the season.”
Less than 24 hours later the Blue Dragons were back in the gym taking on very physical and athletic Chester team. The Blue Dragons came out a little flat on the offensive side of the ball as shots were not dropping like the previous night.
“We were getting quality looks most of the game, but unfortunately we couldn’t find any rhythm offensively,” stated Heitkamp. “As the game went on we (coaches) could tell that some of the kids were losing their confidence and were trying to WILL the shot to go in. We kept encouraging them to stay within the offense and attack the rim, but it just wasn’t meant to be tonight.”
The Blue Dragons had a 9 point lead going into the final 3 minutes of the game, but the Flyers got hot and hit a late 3 pointer to pull out the 50-51 victory. The Blue Dragons did get a great look at the end, but it rimmed in and out securing the victory for Chester.
Cooper Long and Dylan Kindt once again led the Blue Dragons in the scoring column 17 and 13 points, while Josef Zahn (9 rebounds) contributed with 10 points of his own. Jake Schroeder (7 rebounds and 5 assists) and Rave Uhlich added 4 points each, as Triston Rekstad finished the night with 2 points.
