Dragons Lose to Raiders in Whirlwind Game

Pine City hosted Mille Lacs on Thursday night.

The Dragons were able to score first but it wasn't long before the Raiders answered to tie the game. But the Raiders were able to go on a 26-3 run which left Pine City reeling. Mille Lacs controlled much of the action in the 1st half on both sides of the ball, the defense created plenty turnovers and the offense seemingly couldn't be stopped. They seemed bound to put the game away early even before halftime. But just as the Dragons seemed out of it, a key timeout was called and it shifted some momentum in their favor. They were able to get into alittle bit of a rhythm and cut into their deficit. The Raiders were still moving the way they wanted, but now Pine City was able to keep up. The Dragons found a way to slow down the Raiders and ended the half on an 14-3 run, with a buzzer beater three right before half, with Mille Lacs ahead 45-33.

The 2nd half got off to a quick start for both teams, and again the pace was set at a blazing speed. The Dragons were able to cut the deficit down to 10 points, and there was no signs of slowing down. It turned into a tug of war between the teams with neither side able to take advantage. As the half wore along the difference was still 10 points, but Mille Lacs was slowly finding a rhythm. Their defense was able to close down any lanes for Pine City to drive to the basket, and the perimeter looks were simply not open. In the final few minutes the game was still close, but the Raiders forced a handful of turnovers and turned them into points, which allowed them to pull away. The Dragons were just unable to break through and the game ended with Mille Lacs coming out on top 79-56.

Scoring

Pine City:

Tanner Fix 21

Grant Larson and Grant Skluzacek 9

Grant Haverhals and Kevin McKellar 6

James Mangan 4

Mille Lacs:

Gabe Honek 20

Josh Nickoboine 14

Wesley and Eric Harrington 12

Leeland Smith 7

Isaiah Burr and Jacob Schoeck 6

Jadenn Dunlap 2