Lady Bulldogs Lose Against Lennox in Double OT

The Lady Bulldogs’ basketball team lost a heartbreaker against Lennox on Thursday, December 10 on the road. Lennox eked out the win at 42-41 in two overtimes. 

Milbank’s Isabella Anderson, a sophomore, fired in 22 points to lead both teams in scoring. She connected on six two-point shots and dropped in a three-pointer. Anderson also sewed up seven of her nine free throw attempts. Senior Maurina Street added 10 points and nine rebounds.
Lennox also had two players in double figures. Dani Highum put up 19 points and Carli Kuyper had 13. Kuyper, a 6′ 2″ junior, also led the Lady Orioles with six rebounds.

For Milbank, Claire Snaza contributed six points and four rebounds. Tyra Berry nailed a three-pointer and grabbed six rebounds. Siera Wenzl and Josie Riveland added two rebounds apiece.

The score was tied 11 times, and the lead changed hands eight times. At the half, Milbank had a one-point lead. They parlayed it into an eight-point advantage — the largest in the game — by the end of the third period when the score sat at 30-22. 

Lennox refused to go away quietly, though and kicked it into gear in the homestretch to pump in 14 points and tie things up at 36 at the end of regulation. The OT win could easily have gone to either team, as the first OT ended at 38-38. But time was on the Oriole’s side, and when the buzzer sounded in the second OT, the Orioles were up by one at 42-41 to take the win.

Brian Pauli, who is in his seventh year as head coach of the Lady Bulldogs, said, “The girls are growing and learning the game while improving. Our goal is to keep getting better every day.” 

Pauli believes the team’s greatest strength is their love of the game. Expect more good basketball ahead as he sees Hamlin and Florence-Henry as two of Milbank’s biggest competitors this season. 

Score by periods: First 10-10 / Second 21-20/  Third 30-22/ Fourth 36-36/ 1OT 38-38/ 2OT 41-42
Fouled out: Highum (L) and Street (M). Kuyper (L) was called for a technical foul in the 2OT.
What’s next? The Lady Bulldogs are scheduled to host Clark-Willow Lake on Thursday, December 15.  Keep up with The Valley Express for any weather-related changes.

Photos: Top- Tyra Berry laying the ball up to the basket for an attempted shot. Bottom- Jose Riveland surveys the court as she prepares a pass.