Bulldog Cagers Step Up Their Game

The Milbank Area Bulldogs played a solid game and were rewarded with a 60-51 victory over the Hamlin Chargers January 19, on the road. The Dawgs improved to 5-7 for the season.

Milbank Area started out hot and held a 19-15 advantage at the end of the opening quarter. They increased their lead to 31-22 at the midway mark. The Bulldogs maintained their 10-point lead at 46-36 heading into the final quarter and held on for the win.

Bulldog head coach Matt Bastian said, “We did a great job of making the extra pass on offense and finding the open shooter. Defensively, I thought our on-the-ball defense was as good as it has been in some time. We stretched the lead in the second half to 19, only to see them cut it to single digits. I thought our guys responded well to their late surge.”

Three players scored in double figures for Milbank Area. Cody Dockter hit 16 points and snagged 7 rebounds. Nate Bien followed with 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 steal. Jonny Ash made 12 points and 3 rebounds. Mitch Quade chipped in 7 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists.

Also contributing were: Derrick Aho, 3 points; Matt Lenards, 2 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal; James Weber, 2 points and 2 rebounds; Jake Fox, 2 points; Preston Morton, 2 points and 2 rebounds; and Riley Wollschlager, 2 assists.

Milbank Area went 23-of-55 from the field for 42 percent shooting. The Dawgs secured the win with 40 rebounds, 9 steals, 6 assists, and 9 turnovers.
Hamlin also made 42 percent of their shots – 21 of 50 attempts. The Chargers ended the game with 26 rebounds, 9 steals, 1 assist, and 12 turnovers.

File photo of junior Preston Morton.