2/15/24: Proctor

Varisty: W (73-59)

Highlights: https://www.hudl.com/video/2/421951/65cf549068900a0a788b73ff

JV: W

C-Squad: W

Dragon Boys bring in a win on Senior Night

By Andrew Burger Pine City Pioneer

The Dragon boys had one game this past week, and they took the win! The Dragons won 73-59 against Proctor on Friday night. It was also senior night, and the team only has one senior this year, Matthew Blake. Blake was celebrated by friends, teammates and family. It was a good game for the Dragons as they kept a ten-point lead most of the game.  

The boy’s confidence was looking strong on the court, and the result was a win! Coach Allen commented on a few stand-out players, he said, “I thought Bryer played really well on both ends of the court. Eli and Charlie played well and with heart.” Blake had a stand out game and dominated the boards with 11 rebounds. Blake commented, “It is hard yet rewarding to be the only senior on the team. When we play well and get good rebounds, it is rewarding. I have enjoyed my senior year playing ball.”

Head coach, Kyle Allen, said the program got a win that night on all three levels, and he hopes the varsity team will continue to improve as they head into the end of the season, adding the stats all looked good. 

“We were 14 and 2 in transition points, had more points on turnovers and second chance points, less turnovers. All these things lined up and equated to a win,” noted Allen. “We only had ten turnovers, and this was the first time we met the goal of ten or less. We also shot well on the freethrow line in the second half.”

He complimented his one senior, Matt Blake. “Matt came in on fire. I can’t say enough about him. He allowed us to do this year a little differently for the betterment of the program,” said Allen. “We have purposely gone slower this year and not as quick as we have in the past to get the juniors experience in varsity. Matt has been the epitome of a leader for this group. Last year we had some cracks in the foundation, and he took on that role to help fill those cracks, which doesn’t always show up on the stat sheet.” 

Allen added that freshman Grant Larson had a nice game. “He got the ball in his hands a lot and was able to handle pressure,” noted Allen. “For a freshman to go out and do that is pretty impressive.” 

Allen also praised Brooklyn Shelito as team manager. “This is her second year with us. She’s a great kid and always brings a positive attitude to the room. We have been lucky to have her,” he added. 

Next year, added Allen, the team will have no grace period. “This is the grace period, and the expectation will be that they’ll go out and perform next year,” he concluded. 

The boys have three home games this week. They play Milaca on Tuesday (no score available as of press time). Then they will play Mille Lacs on Thursday and will host Rush City on Friday, Feb. 23.