Lady Bulldogs Dominate in Opening Game

The Milbank Area Lady Bulldogs dominated in the opening game of their 2017-2018 basketball season. They scored a 46-17 win over the Tiospa Zina Wambdi Friday, December 8, on the road.

“Overall, I am pleased with our first game,” stated Lady Bulldog Head Coach Brian Pauli. Milbank Area led 9-7 to end the opening period. In the second quarter, they poured in 19 points while holding the Wambdi scoreless. The Lady Bulldogs held a commanding 28-7 lead at the midway mark.

“We started a little slow, didn’t move the ball, and made the extra pass early on,” said Pauli. “We did, however, start to find a rhythm offensively in the second quarter with help from our defense.” Milbank Area widened the gap to 39-13 heading into the final stanza and cruised to a 46-17 win.

Molly Rick led the Lady Bulldogs with 18 points, eight rebounds, one assist, and two steals. Gabbi Cummins followed with 12 points, three boards, one assist, and four steals. Coach Pauli said, “She (Molly) was able to score and also rebound offensively really well. Gabbi had a nice game, as well. She was able to hit a couple of threes to get us going. It was a good team win.”

Also contributing to the victory were: Taylor Thue – five points, four rebounds, and two steals; Lindsey Mertens – five points and three boards; Shea Hooth – four points, four rebounds, and two steals; Jaecy Engebretson – two points, three rebounds, one blocked shot, and one steal; Sophia Seffrood – six rebounds and four steals; Kylie Kasuske – one rebound and one steal; Jaden Hoeke – three rebounds and one assist; Makayla Johnson – one rebound; and Ashley Wollschlager – three rebounds.

The Lady Bulldogs were 16-of-53 from the field for 30 percent shooting. They tallied 46 rebounds, 16 steals, three assists, one blocked shot, and 16 turnovers.

Tiospa Zina made just 16 percent of their shots from the field – just six of 37 attempts. The Wambdi ended the game with 31 rebounds, 9 steals, three blocked shots, two assists, and 25 turnovers.

Milbank Area hosts Sisseton Tuesday, December 12, in doubleheader basketball action at the Milbank Armory. Girls varsity starts at 6:30 p.m. Boys varsity follows.

Photo: File photo of Molly Rick.