Lady Bulldogs Outshoot the Pheasants

The Lady Bulldogs racked up a 51-30 Northeast Conference basketball victory over the Redfield-Doland Pheasants February 3, on the road. The team’s record improved to 10-7.

Redfield-Doland had a one-point lead at 6-5 after the opening quarter. At the midway mark, the Bulldogs edged out the Pheasants at 18-17. Milbank Area connected for 19 points in the third quarter while holding Redfield -Doland to only 4 points. They continued to apply pressure and also outscored the Pheasants 14-9 in the fourth quarter. The Lady Bulldogs took home the win at 51-30.

“I thought the girls played extremely hard on defense,” said Milbank Area Head Coach Brian Pauli. “We need to keep building on that as we finish out the season. Offensively, Redfield-Doland really packed it in around Caryssa. We talked at the half about being more physical in the post and also reversing the basketball quickly to get easier shots. I thought we did much better in the second half.”

Three players scored in double figures for the Lady Bulldogs. Caryssa Mielitz led the team with a double-double. She scored 12 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. She also had two steals and one blocked shot. Gabbi Cummins followed with 11 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 assist, and 1 blocked shot. Molly Rick tallied 10 points, 1 rebound, 3 steals, and 2 assists.

Adding to the point totals for Milbank Area were: Mikaela Hoeke, 7 points, 1 rebound, 2 steals, and 2 assists; Mackayla Schuelke, 4 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal; Sophia Seffrood, 4 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 blocked shot. Karlee Mertens had 3 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal. Taylor Thue had one rebound.

Milbank Area made 49 percent of its shots from the field – hitting 19 of 39 attempts. The Lady Bulldogs counted 30 rebounds, 15 steals, 9 assists, and 3 blocked shots. They made 14 turnovers.

Redfield-Doland went 12-of-41 from the field for 29 percent shooting. The Pheasants ended the game with 25 rebounds, 11 steals, 2 blocked shots, and 1 assist.

The Lady Bulldogs will hit the road again to take on the Britton-Hecla Braves Thursday, February 9.

Junior Molly Rick.