3/6/25: @Sauk Centre

Varsity: L (67-40)

Highlights: https://www.hudl.com/video/2/421951/67cb3cc2894f5fd4cd650a34

Dragon Boys Basketball season concludes with loss in playoffs

• By Heidi Burger
 
• Mar 12, 2025

The Dragon Boys Basketball team had their last game of the 2024-’25 season on Thursday March 6. It was game number one of playoffs, and they were up against Sauk Center; Sauk Center was a higher seeded team, while the Dragons were coming in as the 14th seed in the section. The boys and coaches felt prepared going into the game and had done what they could in practices. 

“I felt confident; I trusted our staff and our system and our leaders. We knew we had a chance,” said coach Kyle Allen, recalling the hours leading up to the game. 

In the first half, the Dragons were sticking right with Sauk Center. Unfortunately, the boys weren’t able to execute consistently throughout the game, and things they thought they had in plan and in place didn’t go that way. But, according to the coaches, it was still a valiant effort. 

Allen commented, “Grant Larson played hard and really held his own for a sophomore. He contributed big minutes and did what was asked of him.” 

Senior Charlie Ausmus also had a good game, ending his basketball career with the Dragons. Senior Bryer Willert got more minutes on the court as the Dragons rotation had to make some adjustments. Willert also stepped up and played well. 

The Dragons lost to a tough team with the final score being 67-40. Sauk Centre went on to win their second round and will be heading in the third round of playoffs. 

As for stats for the night, Austin Wiener 9 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal. Charlie Ausmus contributed 9 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 steal. AJ Ostenson had 6 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 charge. Bryer Willert had 5 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 2 charges. Daniel Milliman 5 points, 2 rebounds and 2 steals. Eli Fromm 3 points, 2 rebounds and 1 assist. Sawyer McDaniel 3 points and 2 rebounds. Grant Larson 4 rebounds and 2 assists. Colson Berglund 1 rebound and 1 assist. Jace Peterson 3 rebounds. 

“It’s bittersweet,” said Allen. “As we start to unwind from the season, we also start to wind up for the next year.”

The Dragons Boys Varsity Basketball team will graduate 13 seniors this year, so next season will look a bit different with a new crew of guys coming onto the roster.

@Sauk Centre Playoff Information

Information on the boys game on Thursday in Sauk Centre.

Ticket Link

Live Stream Link

Cash at the gate will be $10 & $5 per Region policy.

2/27/25: Foley

Varstiy: L (67-50)

JV: L

C-Squad: L

Highlights: https://www.hudl.com/video/2/421951/67c24ac11b5c2278f875b824

Dragon Boys Basketball heading into playoffs

• By Heidi Burger
 
• Mar 5, 2025

The Dragons Boys Varsity Basketball team had a busy week this past week before heading into playoffs. They started the week in Milaca, then hosted Barnum at home and ended the week playing Foley – three tough teams which resulted in three losses. But all three games were good basketball games to watch!

Foley 67, Pine City 50

Then on Thursday, the boys would head over to Foley. Coach Allen commented that the boys played very well again in the first half and didn’t back down. The second half started with Foley making a few baskets right away, inching closer to the Dragons.  

“We either needed to make a run for ourselves, or hold them in their run, and we couldn’t do either,” said Allen, “But I thought we competed. Foley is a good team and well coached.”  

Ostenson had 18 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal. Wiener had 12 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Ausmus had 8 points, 2 rebounds and 1 assist. Fromm had 5 points, 2 rebounds and 1 charge. Larson had 3 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal. Peterson had 2 points and 1 assist. McDaniel had 2 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Willert had 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals. Milliman had 3 rebounds. Berglund had 2 rebounds. 

The Dragons will play Sauk Centre on Thursday, March 6 for the first round of playoffs. The game will be in Sauk Centre.

2/25/25: Barnum

V: L (66-70: OT)

JV: L

C-Squad: L

Highlights: https://www.hudl.com/video/2/421951/67bf9798a473cb1f901e21fe

Dragon Boys Basketball heading into playoffs

• By Heidi Burger
 
• Mar 5, 2025

The Dragons Boys Varsity Basketball team had a busy week this past week before heading into playoffs. They started the week in Milaca, then hosted Barnum at home and ended the week playing Foley – three tough teams which resulted in three losses. But all three games were good basketball games to watch!

Barnum 70, Pine City 66

The day after the loss to Milaca, the Dragons hosted Barnum. Barnum has a good team, a good program, so the coaches and the Dragons knew they were in for a tough game. 

“I really challenged the seniors before this game,” said Allen. “I said I’m really excited to see how you respond to what happened in our game on Monday. We’ve had 24 hours, and we now get to play again.” 

The seniors responded well! They stepped up to the line and stuck with Barnum, even frustrating them often during the game. It was a back and forth game, both teams taking turns with the lead. 

The second half Barnum would get up, but the Dragons fought their way back up each time. The game ended up going into overtime. But this was a different loss than the game against Milaca. The boys fought and did what they were supposed to do on the court – for the entire game.  

Senior Eli Fromm had an excellent game, according to Coach Allen. Senior Bryer Willert did as well. Although the Dragons lost by four points, it was an epic game and the boys showed a lot of grit. 

Wiener had 22 points, 8 rebounds and 1 steal. Ostenson had 18 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal. Ausmus had 15 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 charge. Fromm had 7 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 steal. Willert had 2 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal. Peterson had 2 points and 2 rebounds. McDaniel had 1 rebound, 4 assists, 1 steal and 1 block. Skluzacek had 1 rebound and 1 steal. Larson had 1 rebound, 1 assist, 2 steals and 1 charge. Milliman had 4 rebounds and 1 steal. Berglund had 1 steal. 

2/24/25: @Milaca

Varsity: L (45-49)
JV: L

C-Squad: L

Highlights: https://www.hudl.com/video/2/421951/67be732db55491632a668b19

Dragon Boys Basketball heading into playoffs

• By Heidi Burger
 
• Mar 5, 2025

The Dragons Boys Varsity Basketball team had a busy week this past week before heading into playoffs. They started the week in Milaca, then hosted Barnum at home and ended the week playing Foley – three tough teams which resulted in three losses. But all three games were good basketball games to watch!

Milaca 49, Pine City 45

The boys came out focused and ready to play. The first half was great as the boys executed on offense and defense, grabbing boards and following the game plan. They were ahead by as much as 12 points going into the half. 

The second half started out slow, but the Dragons kept their lead. At one point they were up 43 to 26 in the second half. And then things stopped going well for the Dragons. Coach Kyle Allen said things looked slow. As a coach he said he felt helpless, trying to figure out what to do to get the guys back in the game, trying to call the right plays so the boys could execute. 

“We gave up second chance points. The rebounds started to change. The turnovers started to change. And we just lost all momentum; we ended up not being able to hold off their run at the end and they were able to get the victory,” commented Coach Allen. 

AJ Ostenson had 13 points, 1 rebound, 4 assists, 4 steals, 1 block and 1 charge. Charlie Ausmus had 12 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 charge. Austin Wiener had 8 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal. Bryer Willert had 6 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist and 3 steals. Grant Larson had 2 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist and 1 steal. Eli Fromm had 2 points and 2 rebounds. Daniel Milliman 2 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 1 steal. Sawyer McDaniel had 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal. Grant Skluzacek had 1 rebound, 1 assist and 1 steal. Colson Berglund had 2 rebounds. 

2/21/25: @Crosby-Ironton

Varsity: L (51-74)

JV: L

C-Squad: L

Highlights: https://www.hudl.com/video/2/421951/67bac180a42609dc6f100f0f

Dragon Boys Basketball finishing up season games

• By Heidi Burger
 
• Feb 26, 2025

The Dragon Boys Varsity Basketball team traveled north to Proctor last Saturday, February 15. The boys played well, working as a team and they took the win. They were then supposed to play Milaca on Tuesday, Feb. 18, but that game got rescheduled due to cold weather. Then the team traveled to Crosby-Ironton on Feb. 21.

Crosby-Ironton 73, Pine City 51

The boys then headed over to Crosby-Ironton on Friday of last week. The Dragons knew going into the game that they would have their work cut out for them, as they did the last time they played C-I at home. This game looked very different from Proctor, however. The stats were lower, and the boys didn’t take care of the basketball as well. 

Coach Allen commented on the play of senior Colson Berglund, saying he came in and did his specific job well. Senior Jace Peterson came in the second half and had a nice stretch of points and rebounds. With few positives, the boys did not play up to their game and did not execute how they needed to win. 

Coach Allen also commented on the majority and excellence of the CI program.  “From the facilities, to talking with the other coaches, it is a great environment over there,” he said. 

As for stats on the night, AJ Ostenson had 16 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal. Sawyer McDaniel had 9 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists. Colson Berglund had 6 points and 3 rebounds. Jace Peterson had 5 points, 6 rebounds and 4 steals. Charlie Ausmus had 5 points and 2 rebounds. Tanner Fix had 3 points. Grant Larson had 2 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals. Eli Fromm had 2 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Kevon Williams had 2 points. Daniel Milliman had 1 point, 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 3 steals. Bryer Willert had 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 charge. Grant Skluzacek had 1 rebound. 

MN Select AAU Tryouts

 We are working on our teams for the spring and summer. If you could please send out information on tryouts to players who may be interested in playing spring basketball. We will have teams for ages 12U-17U. 

Here is the tryout link:

https://mnselectbasketball.sportngin.com/register/form/211600677

Playmakers North AAU Tryouts

 LAST CHANCE-Playmakers North Tryouts for SPRING/SUMMER 2025 will be held SATURDAY MARCH 15th AT SUPERIOR HIGH SCHOOL...  SIGN UP today through this link: CLICK HERE

AGE GROUPS: 4th through 11th graders (BOYS and GIRLS)

2/15/25: @Proctor

Varsity: W (74-47)

JV: L

C-Squad: W

Highlights: https://www.hudl.com/video/2/421951/67b2dc2cf0022d351be79c7e

Dragon Boys Basketball finishing up season games

• By Heidi Burger
 
• Feb 26, 2025

The Dragon Boys Varsity Basketball team traveled north to Proctor last Saturday, February 15. The boys played well, working as a team and they took the win. They were then supposed to play Milaca on Tuesday, Feb. 18, but that game got rescheduled due to cold weather. Then the team traveled to Crosby-Ironton on Feb. 21.

Pine City 76, Proctor 47

The game against Proctor was good for the Dragons. The team came together and showed off their strengths on the court. Senior Daniel Milliman was working hard on the court, getting rebounds and hustling everywhere. 

Coach Kyle Allen commented, “Milliman’s calling card has always been his aggression and his tenacity and his grit – it was on full display tonight.” 

Milliman’s game play that night seemed to get the rest of the team going and the momentum swung their way. Senior Charlie Ausmus also came out on fire. He grabbed a few rebounds and had no turnovers and was all over the court. “Charlie’s energy has been so great – his aura, his positivity has been awesome,” said Allen. The result of the game was a win for the boys. 

Ostenson had a strong night with 27 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal. Ausmus also shined with 25 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assists, and 2 steals. Also adding to the night was Austin Wiener with 7 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal. Milliman had 4 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals. Williams had 3 points and 2 rebounds. Sam Johnson had 3 points, 1 rebound and 1 steal. McDaniel had 2 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. Peterson had 2 points and 1 rebound. Fromm had 2 points, 3 rebounds and 1 steal. Skluzacek had 1 point, 1 rebound, 2 assists, and 1 steal. Larson had 4 assists and 1 steal. Willert had 2 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Berglund had 2 rebounds and 1 steal. 

2/13/25: @Mora

Varsity: L (25-74)
JV: L

C-Squad: L (OT)

Highlights: https://www.hudl.com/video/2/421951/67afc966602cd7f5793e3475

Boys Basketball takes game against North Branch

• By Heidi Burger Pine City Pioneer
 
• Feb 19, 2025

The Dragon Boys Basketball team had two away games this past week. They started off playing North Branch on February 10 and traveled to Mora on Thursday the Feb. 13.

Mora 74, Pine City 25

The boys’ second game of the week looked quite a bit different than the first. It was a rough game, and the Dragons knew they would be up against a tough team. Mora has a few bigger guys that are committed to play ball at the higher level next year. The boys just couldn’t find their flow and things were not coming together on the court.  

At halftime, the Dragons had only scored 11 points. The Dragons were able to double their score in the second half, but they were too deep to get back into the game. It ended with a Dragon loss and score of 74-25, with a Mora win. 

As for stats, Ostenson had 9 points and 4 rebounds. Ausmus had 5 points and 2 rebounds. Berglund had 3 points and 1 rebound. Kevin McKellar had 2 points, 1 rebound and 1 steal. Skluzacek had 2 points and 1 steal. Larson had 2 points, 1 rebound and 1 block. Fromm had 1 points and 2 rebounds. Wiener had 1 point, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals. Peterson had 2 rebounds. McDaniel had 1 assist. Fix had 3 rebounds and 1 assist. Willert had 1 rebound and 1 assist. Williams had 2 rebounds. Sam Johnson had 2 rebounds and 1 steal. Milliman had 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal. 

The boys will play at Milaca on Feb. 18 and then at Crosby-Ironton on Feb. 21.