1/18/24: Hinckley-Finlayson

Dragon Boys Basketball gets another win

By Heidi Burger Pine City Pioneer

The Dragon Boys Basketball team got another win this past week against the Mille Lacs Raiders on Tuesday, January 16. Coach Kyle Allen said it was a good game for the boys, and they had good focus. “We came out a little sluggish, then got into a nice little rhythm. We showed that we can do good things in spurts, in sections. And we had individuals who have experienced success.” 

At half time, the Dragons were up by 10 points, and they kept their lead until the end of the game and won 63-53. Coach Allen praised the effort and leadership of senior Matthew Blake. “Matty had a great game,” he said. “He works his tail off and does what we ask. He is our only senior and takes a lot on as our leader.”

The boys then hosted Hinckley on January 18. The coaches and boys both knew it would be a harder game than Tuesday’s as Hinckley is a well coached team. At half time, it was a three-point game. “They (Hinckley) came out the second half and hit us hard, and we couldn’t recover,” commented Allen. “The stats show our rebounding in the first half was great, but the second wasn’t. We are continuing to build positiveness in our program.” 

Freshman Grant Larson saw court time again and is getting stronger as a varsity player. Coach Allen commented on the comradery of the team which is getting better and stronger each week. “It’s exciting to see growth and progress, even if it doesn’t always show in the score.” The final score of the game was 63-56, with a Dragon loss.

The boys will play Duluth Marshall on Tuesday, January 23 and then Zimmerman on Friday, January 26.

Varsity: L (56-63)

Highlights: https://www.hudl.com/video/2/421951/65acc91e5b3d3c0bf0a5a04d

JV: L

C-Squad: W

Special shoutout to the wrestling and hockey teams for coming out and supporting us tonight!  Was great to have you in the crowd!!!