12/17/21: @Spectrum

Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/v/2Gcy2h

Varsity: L (77-78)

JV: L

C-Squad: L

Boys basketball takes two tough losses for the week

By Heidi Burger Editor@pinecitymn.com

The Dragon Boys played a hard fought second half against Spectrum last Friday but once again found themselves in a “too little, too late” situation. At the half, the Dragons were down 38 to 46. They came out aggressive in the second half by hitting the boards and playing tough defense, which put them in the lead a few times. At the end of the fourth quarter, senior Kameron Jusczak hit a two pointer which put them ahead 77 to 75. Spectrum then took possession of the ball and hit a quick three down in the corner. This put Spectrum up 78 to 77 which would be the final score of the game. Hard to lose like that, but a second half that was well-fought.

Senior Colton Blaisdell continued to be a steady, consistent player in the game. “A lot of what he does doesn’t show up in the box score; he is always in the right spot on defense, works his tail off, and is always trying to do the right thing,” said Coach Allen. “He really showed up in the box scores against Spectrum, shooting 5 for 5 from outside.” 

Dylan Peterson, a senior, was also a driving force in the game. In the words of Coach Allen, Peterson is “the ultimate competitor; his ability to grind is second to none.” Peterson led the team in assists with three.

Jusczak had an impressive second half. He led the team in rebounds with 11. Jason Thieman and Luke Wilson came in second with five rebounds each.

Going into the game, the Dragon boys knew it was going to be a tough test. Spectrum is predicted to finish in the top five of their section. Coach Allen and the Dragons were grateful for the opportunity and experience of playing Spectrum.

Allen recalls Coach Hansmann’s words of wisdom after the game, “If we win this game, we will be pretty happy and excited. If that last shot doesn’t fall for Spectrum, we are sitting like fat cats. But fat cats get complacent. Do we fix our mistakes if he misses that last shot?” 

To this Coach Allen’s response was, “That has to be the mindset. The goal is not to be playing our best basketball now, it is to be playing our best basketball at the end. We are playing the toughest schedule we have played in my tenure; we will be battle tested.”

The final score was a tough loss of Dragons 77, Spectrum 78.