Lady Bulldog Cagers Nearly Pull Off Comeback

The Lady Bulldogs nearly pulled off a comeback, but succumbed to Waverly-South Shore 47-34 on Tuesday, January 12, at the Milbank Armory. Milbank’s season record dropped to 2-6.

“For whatever reason, we came out flat and played with little energy and toughness,” stated Milbank’s head coach, Brian Pauli. “After halftime, we competed much better and gave ourselves a chance, but unfortunately, we couldn’t make enough plays to get over the hump.”

Milbank scored just two points in the opening quarter and trailed 12-2. Their struggles continued in the second period while Waverly-South Shore opened the gap to 27-8 by halftime. 

The Lady Bulldogs came back after the break to pour in 20 points in the third and six in the fourth. Sparked by Tyra Berry and Lindsey Mertens, who dropped in big three-pointers at crucial moments, Milbank got within five points. But, they could not get closer, and took the loss at 47-34.

Maurina Street led the Lady Bulldogs with 13 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and one steal. Tyra Berry followed with 12 points, one rebound, and one steal. Mertens dropped in five points, grabbed three rebounds, and added two assists and one steal. Isabella Anderson chipped in with two points, four assists, and two steals. Tatum Berry had two points, one assist, and six steals. Madi Thue contributed five rebounds. Ellie Neugebauer added one rebound and one steal.

Milbank made 28 percent of their shots from the field, completing 13-of-46 attempts. The Lady Bulldogs snared 28 rebounds and had 10 assists and 15 steals. They committed 15 turnovers.

Waverly-South Shore hit 20-of-45 from the field for 44 percent shooting. The Lady Coyotes ended the game with 36 rebounds, 16 assists, and 14 steals. They committed 19 turnovers.

Photo – eighth grader Tyra Berry