Lady Bulldogs Take It Down to the Finish with Tri-Valley

It was a horse race till the end in the game that pitted the Lady Bulldogs against the Lady Mustangs of Tri Valley on Saturday, February 15 at the Milbank Armory. Tri-Valley’s Mattie Huwe put up a game-high 21 points, including five triples,and three boards, but Lady Bulldog Belle Pauli matched her with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Pauli posted her second double-double in two straight games.  

Milbank hit 39 percent of their shots from the floor, and Tri-Valley finished at 36 percent. However, Tri-Valley made 10 of 23 of their 3-point shots and Milbank connected on just six of 22. Milbank made 10 of their 17 free throw attempts for 59 percent. Tri-Valley downed 15 of 19 from the charity stripe for 79 percent.

Nonetheless, Milbank carved out the lead at the end of the half at 24-20 after taking an eight-point lead – the biggest of the game – late in the second. Coming down the stretch, Milbank had trouble holding on to the ball. Things were tied at 53-53 and Milbank had possession, but they miscommunicated and Tri-Valley picked it off and went in for a layup. They hung on to eke out the 57-53 win.

MIlbank’s Tyra Berry scored 12 points and added five rebounds. Claire Snaza made nine points and six rebounds. Avery Schuneman and Isabella Anderson each scored six points. Anderson added 10 rebounds, and Schuneman made two. Siera Wenzl nailed a triple. Rylee Scoular got a rebound.

Izzy and Kadence Davey each scored 12 points for Tri-Valley. Danicka Fluth made four points. Peyton Vogt, Maddie Wenzel, Emry Jones, and Emery Pearson each scored two. Fluth led her team with four rebounds. The Lady Mustangs managed 11 steals. The Lady Bulldogs snapped up five.

Milbank     8    12    24    13    54
Tri-Valley  11   13    22      8    57

Milbank also celebrated Senior Girls Night. Lady Bulldog seniors this season are Isabella Anderson, Tyra Berry, Josie Riveland, Ella Sandvig, Rylie Scoular, Claire Snaza and Siera Wenzl.

.What’s next?  The Lady Bulldogs host Madison (1-16) for the Battle of the Bulldogs tonight, February 18.  Note – Games start early due to the cold temperatures.