The past three games have been difficult for the Lady Dragons basketball team as they notched losses to Sioux Falls Christian, Vermillion, and Dell Rapids St. Mary's.
"The Garretson Girls’ basketball team has had a tough January," said Head Coach Matt Schrank. "After starting 5-0 in December, we are 1-5 in January. We’ve faced some really tough competition and have lost our momentum from the beginning of the season."
In the competition against Sioux Falls Christian, the bitter rivals traded the ball back and forth, with the Dragons taking the loss 50-57.
"Last week we faced the 1 loss Sioux Falls Christian Chargers," said Coach Schrank. "After getting in a 17-point deficit late in the 3rd quarter and into the 4th quarter, we pulled to within 4 and ran out of gas."
Throughout the game, Garretson tallied 27 rebounds, 7 steals, and 3 blocks.
After a few more days of practice, the team faced off with Vermillion in the Dragon's Lair. The Tanagers played a hard and offensive game, keeping the ball away from the Dragon's side of the court.
Coach Schrank pointed out the difficulties of playing the team. "We played the #2 team in Class A, and undefeated, Vermillion Tanagers. They were ready and prepared for everything we threw at them. They took control from the tip and won a lop-sided affair, 25-51."
Overall, the Dragons took home 31 rebounds, 16 steals, and 3 blocks.
Hoping to change their run, the Dragons took on Dell Rapids St. Mary's in a re-scheduled home game. DRSM was at 9-2 before heading to Garretson, which meant the Dragons had their work cut out for them. Despite some great moves from the Garretson team defensively, the Dragons had difficulty connecting with the net.
"They jumped on us early with some good shooting and we couldn’t buy a bucket," commented Coach Schrank. "They built a double-digit lead and we traded baskets for most of the game." The Dragons lost 43-56.
Looking to change their fortune, the basketball team will head to Flandreau and Volga to participate in the Big East Conference this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Their first game in Flandreau will be against the Beresford Bulldogs on Thursday at 6:00 p.m.
