3/11/21: @Milaca

Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/v/2FCDQ0

C: L
JV: L

Varsity: L (84-67)

Boys win 4th straight conference title

Staff report

The Dragons boys varsity basketball squad lost to a strong Milaca squad on Thursday, but came back the next night to beat Isle and claim the conference championship for the fourth straight year in a row. 

Milaca 84, Pine City 67

Coach Kyle Allen said his team shot the ball well to start the game, and throughout most of the first half. 

“While we only found ourselves down by one at half after a great heads up play by Luke Wilson and Dylan Petersen to end the half with a buzzer beating bucket, we had not played to our potential to that point,” Allen said. 

He said that some bad habits sneaked into the Dragons play in the second half. 

“We have shown that when we are focused on the correct parts of the game, we can play with anyone,” Allen said. “When we lose sight of those things, sometimes we don’t have enough to overcome some of our shortcomings. I thought Thursday was an example of that.”

He described Milaca as “a big and physical team” coming off three straight wins. 

“They play a tough Granite Ridge Conference schedule and are constantly challenged throughout the season,” he said. “They have a new staff on board and they seem to be finding their stride and identity. The good news is we showed some flashes of good throughout the game, and the parts we need to be better at can be fixed quickly.”

Kameron Jusczak led the Dragons in rebounds with eight followed by Caleb Fromm with seven. Luke Wilson continued to be an engine on the offensive end, leading the team with five assists followed by Fromm with four. Fromm and Dylan Petersen each took a charge in the game.