Belle Pauli Named Player of the Game at Yankton Tourney

Milbank was paired against Vermillion at the all-girls Sacred Hoops Classic sponsored by Sun Gold Sports on Saturday, January 27, in Yankton. The Lady Tanagers are currently rated No. 8 in Class A in South Dakota, and the Lady Bulldogs suffered a short bout of failure to launch. Milbank had trouble controlling the ball in the opening quarter and couldn’t completely recover in the second. Milbank’s dry spell allowed the Lady Tanagers to build up a 25-point lead going into the locker room at the half. Milbank got back on their feet in the third, and they put up more points in that quarter than they had in the entire first half, but a lot of damage had been done. To add insult to injury, Vermillion hit 64 percent of their shots in the second half to keep the pressure on. The Lady Bulldogs were overwhelmed and eventually fell 56-28.

The good news was the Vermillion players were passed over in favor of Lady Bulldog Belle Pauli, who was chosen as the Player of the Game. Pauli did not turn over the ball, and she put up six points and pulled down two rebounds. Isabella Anderson and Claire Snaza also each scored six points. Anderson grabbed four rebounds and Snaza got two. Josie Riveland scored five points and took down three rebounds. Averie Schuneman made four points and a rebound. Anna Neugebauer commandeered three rebounds, including two for the offense.

Milbank nailed 71 percent of their attempts from the line. Vermillion downed 67 percent, but the Lady Bulldogs only offered them three opportunities.

For Vermillion, Brooke Jensen scored 12 points, Taylor Reuvers made 10, and Brooklyn Voss posted nine. Vermillion fared better than Milbank at finding an open shot. They recorded 21 assists to Milbank’s four. The Lady Bulldogs also struggled from long range. The Lady Tanager’s accrued a 38 percent accuracy.

Milbank–2—8—12—6—28
Vermillion–23—12—15—6—56

What’s next? Milbank hosts Roncalli in a conference matchup on Thursday, February 1. It’s one of Milbank’s last three home games this season. Don’t miss your chance to get out and cheer the Lady Dogs to victory!