Quade Scores 18 in Loss to Trojans

The Milbank Area Bulldogs battled the Ortonville Trojans in classic high school basketball rivalry February 14, at the Milbank Armory. Mitch Quade fired in 18 points for the Bulldogs, but they were still defeated 63-45.

The Dawgs trailed 8-1 early, but pulled to within six points at 18-12 at the end of the first quarter. Each team produced 14 points in the second period, so the Bulldogs remained behind 32-26 at the half.

Milbank Area struggled to keep up with the Trojans in the second half and trailed 49-38 heading into the final stanza. In the fourth quarter, the Dawgs were able to produce just seven points. Ortonville added 14 to its total to take the win at 63-45.

“I really like how we battled back throughout the game,” stated Bulldog Head Coach Matt Bastian. “We didn’t have a good start, yet we climbed back to within six points at the half. They really pushed the ball on us in the second half, which made it difficult for us to get our defense set. I thought we defended well when we got organized.”

Mitch Quade led the Bulldogs with 18 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist. Nate Bien tallied 8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. Matt Lenards followed with 7 points, 1 board, and 3 steals. Riley Wollschlager contributed 6 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals.

Also scoring for the Dawgs were: Cody Dockter, 2 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists; Jonny Ash, 2 points, 1 rebound, and 1 steal; and Preston Morton, 2 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist. Derrick Aho grabbed 1 rebound and Jake Fox was credited with 1 steal.

Milbank Area went 20-of-47 from the field for 43 percent shooting. The Bulldogs wrapped up the game with 22 rebounds, 11 steals, and 6 assists. They committed 12 turnovers.

Ortonville made 51 percent of its shots from the field – hitting 27 of 53 attempts. The Trojans took the win with 32 rebounds, 12 assists, and 11 steals. They also committed 12 turnovers.

Senior players and their parents were recognized for their years of service to the boys basketball program. Seniors are: (l. to r.) Tanner Gauer, Nate Bien, and Cody Dockter. Front row- Riley Wollschlager and Matt Lenards.

Click here for the photo album of the game.