The Pine City boy's basketball team started their playoff run with a hard fought 75-62 win at home on Thursday night.
Things started off rough for the Dragons who found themselves trailing by double digits in the first half. Konnor Jusczak found himself on the bench early with two fouls and Milaca took advantage making shots and forcing turnovers. It was Konnor's younger brother Kameron who stepped up for the Dragons in the first half and scored ten points to pace Pine City. Seth Logan, the Dragons all-time leading scorer, had a great first half too as Pine City turned things around and had a 36-28 lead going into halftime.
Coming out of halftime Konnor Jusczak used his fresh legs to bury back to back three pointers to give the Dragons a quick advantage early. Pine City pulled away early in the second half and saw their lead grow to as much as 20 points. Milaca wouldn't go away quietly as they found a rhythm late and pulled the game back within 10 points. But Pine City made their free throws and finished the game strong earning the 13 point win. Seth Logan led the Dragons with 25 points.
Pine City head coach Kyle Allen said, "We knew just had to ride the ship and ride the storm and stick to what works. Our boys did a great job of staying positive and sticking to what we do and really turned up the defensive intensity when we needed it."
The Dragons improve to 25-2 on the season and will take on the #2 seed in the section Osakis. The Silverstreaks also have a 25-2 record and they defeated Long Prairie-Grey Eagle in the first round 72-39. The two teams will meet at St. Cloud State on Saturday at 5:45.
Photo Credit Lancelot Furber
