Dawgs Win Three Games In a Week

The Milbank Bulldogs won their last four games, three of which were played last week against Deuel, Ortonville, and Vermillion. The victories upped the Dawgs season record to 7-5.

Milbank 54, Ortonville 38
Milbank secured a victory over rival Ortonville to wrap up double-header basketball action in front of a packed house at the Milbank Armory on Friday, January 31.

The Bulldogs got out to a solid start and led 20-9 after one quarter. Both teams struggled with offense in the second quarter, but Milbank maintained the lead at 28-13. Milbank outscored Ortonville by just one point in the second half and allowed Ortonville to inch their way closer. But, in the end, Milbank galloped past the Trojans to the finish line at 54-38.

Bennett Schwenn led the team with 23 points, seven rebounds, one assist, and one blocked shot. Will Cummins tallied 11 points, three boards, two steals, and one assist. Carter Hartman added nine points, seven rebounds, two steals, two blocked shots, and one assist. Max McCulloch chipped in six points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and one steal. Evan Erickson contributed five points, four rebounds, and one assist. Adding to the totals for Milbank were: Mason Riley, three rebounds; Karson Weber, one steal, and Stevie Ash, one rebound.

The Dawgs hit 40 percent of their shots, making 17-of-43 attempts. Milbank grabbed 44 rebounds, had 12 steals, made six assists, and blocked three shots. They were charged with 18 turnovers.

Ortonville struggled from the field making just 23 percent of their shots or 12-of-53. The Trojans finished with 29 rebounds, 16 steals, and one assist. They blocked two shots and committed 12 turnovers.

Milbank 54, Deuel 51
Milbank slipped past Deuel 54-51 in Clear Lake on Tuesday, January 28. Milbank trailed by just one point at 16-17 after the opening period. Deuel widened the gap to 30-38 at halftime. Milbank outscored the Cardinals in the third quarter to cut the deficit to 41-47 heading into the final period. The Dawgs poured on the defense in the fourth and held Deuel to just four points to seal the 54-51 win.

Bennett Schwenn poured in 24 points and had four rebounds to pace the Dawgs. Max McCulloch followed with 13 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Will Cummins tallied seven points, two boards, and one steal. Carter Hartman added five points, three rebounds, four steals, two assists, and two blocked shots. Karson Weber contributed three points, one rebound, three assists, and two steals. Mason Riley added two points and two rebounds.

Milbank hit 21-of-40 from the field for 53 percent shooting. The Bulldogs recorded 21 rebounds, 16 steals, seven assists, and two blocked shots. They committed just nine turnovers.

Deuel made 51 percent of their shots, hitting 20-of-39 attempts. The Cardinals counted 25 rebounds and eight steals. They committed 18 turnovers.

Milbank 55, Vermillion 53
Milbank faced Vermillion in the Dak 12/NEC Clash in Madison on Saturday, February 1. The Dawgs came away with the 55-53 victory.

Milbank got out to a solid start and led 14-9 after one quarter. Vermillion fought back in the second period, but the Dawgs remained ahead at 26-25 at the midway mark. Both teams produced 12 points in the third to keep the margin at one point with Milbank ahead 38-37 heading into the final period. A tight game continued, but the Bulldogs held on for the win.

Three MIlbank players scored in double figures. Cummins led the way with 16 points, two steals, and one assist. McCulloch was next with 15 points, eight rebounds, two steals, and two assists. Schwenn tallied 13 points, three boards, two assists, and one steal. Hartman was close behind with nine points, two rebounds, and two assists. Ryker Trevett scored two points, grabbed one rebound, and made three assists. Also contributing were: Erickson, one rebound and one assist; Riley, one rebound and one blocked shot; and Weber, one board, one assist, and one steal.

Milbank shot 46 percent by hitting 20-of-44 attempts. The Dawgs had 20 rebounds, 12 assists, 11 steals, and one blocked shot. They were charged with 11 turnovers. Vermillion made 19-of-41 from the field for 46 percent shooting. The Tanagers recorded 31 rebounds, seven steals, and one assist. They committed 12 turnovers.

Photo – MHS senior Evan Erickson