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.

Upcoming Schedule

Thursday:

C/JV/V: Food and Film to go to Mora @330 PM

Friday:

Lift options for C and/or JV @7-8 AM

Varsity (optional JV) practice @7-830 AM

Varsity Lift Option @830-930 AM

Satruday:

C-Squad Bus to go to Proctor @845 AM

JV/V Food/Film to go to Proctor @930 AM

JV/V Bus to go to Proctor @1020 AM

C Game @ 11AM

JV Game @ 1215 PM

V Game @ 130 PM

Monday:

TBD (Varsity Practice, Optional for Sub Varsity with lift Option)

@Mora Tickets

Please get ticket information out to your parents and spectators to purchase online for your game in Mora.  Thank you

Ticketing: https://gofan.co/app/school/MN19620

2/10/25: @North Branch

Varsity: W (68-51)

JV: L

C-Squad: L

Highlights: https://www.hudl.com/video/2/421951/67abc4f59d6309acb67829cf

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.

Pine City 68, North Branch 51

It was a back and forth first half. The Dragons looked good against North Branch and had many strengths that showed on the court. This resulted in good stats, which resulted in points and a win. The boys kept the lead the first half and were ahead by four points. 

The second half the Dragons kept their focus and executed on offense and defense. The Dragons had three boys with points in the double digits, and almost every player had more than one rebound with senior Austin Wiener grabbing 11 rebounds. They were able to increase their lead by more than 10 points, and when the buzzer went off, they won 68 to 51.

Coach Kyle Allen felt the boys played well against North Branch. “[The] boys came out ready and executed. They were consistent in their play and how they operated,” said Allen. “Everyone played to their role and played it well. Energy was great and positive.”

All of these things added up to having the opportunity for success. Allen highlighted some players saying, “Charlie Ausmus continues his dominant performances. He was shooting well and was a great plug on the defensive end taking charges. Bryer Willert played some big minutes and played well. Took control as a senior like we expect. AJ Ostenson stepped up and hit some big free throws in big minutes.” 

High scorer of the game was AJ Ostenson with 24 points; he also had 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 3 steals. Austin Wiener had 17 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals. Charlie Ausmus had 15 points, 4 rebounds and 1 steal. Grant Larson had 5 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 charge. BryerWillert had 5 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 2 charges. Jace Peterson had 2 points, 3 rebounds and 1 assist. Sawyer McDaniel had 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Grant Skluzacek had 1 rebound. Kevon Williams had 1 steal. Eli Fromm had 2 rebounds and 1 steal. Daniel Milliman had 3 rebounds and 4 assists. Colson Berglund had 1 assist.

2/7/25: @Aitkin

Varsity: L (61-71)
JV: L

C-Squad: L

Highlights: https://www.hudl.com/video/2/421951/67a7f0da5167fd16d2cc43c0

Boys basketball sees two strong wins against Hinckley-Finlayson, Aitkin

• By Heidi Burger

The Dragon Boys Varsity Basketball team had a busy week with games, getting two wins out of the three games they played. The boys are working hard on building the team’s foundation and being able to compete at their full potential as playoffs are coming up.

Aitkin 71, Pine City 61

Then on Friday, the boys traveled to Aitkin. Although the boys didn’t let up and they worked just as hard as the two previous games, the outcome was not what they were hoping for. They fell to the Gobblers 71-61. 

Allen commented that he hoped the boys were not discouraged. “Looking at the end result, we just didn’t shoot the ball real well, and they (Aitkin) shot the ball extremely well,” he said. “I thought the boys went into the game, executed and gave effort.” 

Senior Colson Berglund came in and played some big minutes for the Dragons, as some of the other players were in foul trouble and there was a 6 foot 9 inch guy that needed to be guarded. Berglund also hit four threes in the game. Senior AJ Ostenson was hustling on defense and was able to get 10 deflections – not commonly seen to get that high of a number for deflections. 

As for stats in the game, Ostenson had 20 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 steals. Wiener had 13 points and 5 rebounds. Berglund had 12 points and 3 rebounds and 1 steal. Ausmus had 6 points, 4 rebounds and 3 steals. McDaniel had 4 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals. Peterson had 2 points, 1 rebound and 1 charge. Willert had 2 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Fromm had 2 points and 2 rebounds. Skluzacek had 1 rebound, 2 steals and 1 block. Milliman had 4 rebounds. Larson had 1 rebound and 2 assists. 

The boys will head to North Branch Monday, February 10. They will then head to Mora on Thursday, Feb. 13, and they will end their week playing in Proctor on Saturday, Feb. 15.

2/4/25: Rush City

Varsity: W (78-64)

JV: L

C-Squad: L

Highlights: https://www.hudl.com/video/2/421951/67a3fc8ad6433317f1d92f4d

Boys basketball sees two strong wins against Hinckley-Finlayson, Aitkin

• By Heidi Burger

The Dragon Boys Varsity Basketball team had a busy week with games, getting two wins out of the three games they played. The boys are working hard on building the team’s foundation and being able to compete at their full potential as playoffs are coming up.

Pine City 78, Rush City 64

The following night, the boys played Rush City. Like Hinckley, the Dragons had also lost to Rush earlier in the season, so the boys were itching for another chance to play them. The Dragons knew it was going to be a physical game. Ausmus came out strong again this game, setting the tone and scoring 20 points and 5 rebounds. He also took 3 charges. Austin Wiener grabbed 13 rebounds, 7 of them being offensive. 

Coach Allen reported, “The boys just didn’t back down; they stuck with the system and with the game plan. They executed well. They did just what we needed them to do.” Another win for the Dragons!

In the game, Ausmus had 20 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assists, 2 steals, and 2 charges. Wiener had 17 points, 13 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal. Ostenson had 12 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. Willert had 9 points, 4 rebounds and 1 assist. Peterson had 7 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists. McDaniel had 6 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. Larson had 4 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists. Skluzacek had 3 points and 2 rebounds. Milliman had 4 rebounds and 3 steals. Fromm had 1 steal. Berglund had 2 rebounds. 

2/3/25: @Hinckley Finlayson

Varsity: W (74-37)

JV: W

C-Squad: W

Highlights: https://www.hudl.com/video/2/421951/67a2b479743de7438cd68a99

Boys basketball sees two strong wins against Hinckley-Finlayson, Aitkin

• By Heidi Burger

The Dragon Boys Varsity Basketball team had a busy week with games, getting two wins out of the three games they played. The boys are working hard on building the team’s foundation and being able to compete at their full potential as playoffs are coming up.

Pine City 74, HF 37

The boys started off their week against Hinckley-Finlayson on Monday, February 3. They had lost to HF earlier in the year, so the boys were eager to face them again. They were motivated and ready to take the win. Coach Allen felt the boys really executed well this game. 

“The boys came out fired up! They had lots of energy and I think that showed in how they played on both ends of the court,” said coach Kyle Allen. 

The game was back and forth in the first half. There was a big momentum shift for the Dragons in the game when one of the HF players got called for goal-tending. Coach Allen was proud in how the boys handled the shift and pushed forward even harder with the momentum swinging their way. 

“Sam Johnson had a really, really nice first half – grabbing five rebounds,” said Allen. “We were missing a few guys for this game, and the rotation had to change a bit. Johnson stepped up and right in. He played some big minutes for us.” 

Senior Kevon Williams also got in the second half and shot well. Senior Charlie Ausmus had a physical game, and he was also executing on both ends of the court. It was good to see everyone get a part in the game. The Dragons took the win 74-37.

As for stats, AJ Ostenson had 20 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, and 2 charges. Sam Johnson had 20 points and 5 rebounds. Sawyer McDaniel had 12 points, 1 rebound and 3 steals. Bryer Willert had 8 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block. Austin Wiener had 8 points and 5 rebounds. Grant Skluzacek had 6 points, 2 rebounds and 1 assist. Charlie Ausmus had 6 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists. Jace Peterson had 4 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assists, and 1 steal. Kevon Williams had 4 points. Tanner Fix had 2 points and 1 steal. Grant Larson had 1 point, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Daniel Milliman had 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, and 1 charge. Colson Berglund had 2 rebounds.