Bulldogs Win Opening Round in Tourney

The Milbank Area Bulldogs used high intensity to secure a 57-46 victory over Redfield-Doland Tuesday, February 27. The win came during the opening round of the Region 1A high school boys basketball tournament in Redfield. Milbank now travels to Sisseton Friday, March 2, to take on the No.1- seeded Redmen for the chance to advance to the Sweet 16 round.

“I was very happy with the effort, toughness, and execution our guys displayed,” stated head coach for the Bulldogs, Logan Diede. “We made our mistakes, but we never let them snowball. I thought we moved on and got dialed in to each possession as they came at us. That’s what you need to do to win this time of year. The juice and energy on the floor and on our bench was special last night, and a lot of fun to be a part of! Another big test for us on Friday at Sisseton, we will need that same energy at their place.”

Milbank led 17-12 at the end of the opening quarter. Redfield-Doland came back to outscore the Dawgs in the second period, but Milbank remained ahead 26-24 at the midway mark.

In the third period, the Bulldogs maintained a 38-34 advantage. Milbank pushed ahead in the final quarter to secure the first round win at 57-46.

Max McCulloch sparked the Dawgs with 18 points, nine rebounds, one assist, and one steal. Derrick Aho followed with 14 points, two boards, four assists, and two steals. Jake Fox tallied 11 points, seven rebounds, and one steal.

Contributing to the totals for Milbank Area were Mitch Quade, eight points, three rebounds, and three assists; Jonny Ash, four points, three rebounds, two steals, and two blocked shots; and Jordan Riley, two points and six rebounds.

Milbank made 45 percent of their shots from the field – hitting 19 of 42 attempts. The Bulldogs took the win with 32 rebounds, 12 steals, eight assists, two blocked shots, and 12 turnovers.

Redfield-Doland went 17-of-47 from the field for 36 percent shooting. The Pheasants grabbed 25 rebounds and 11 steals. They made one assist, one blocked shot, and committed 14 turnovers.

Photo – Senior Derrick Aho (file photo)