Pine City Overcomes Deficit to Defeat Hastings

The Lady Dragons hosted Hastings on Friday night.

The Raiders weren't just some random team making the trip to Pine City, Dragons HC Padrick Judd used to coach there. While there were some connections, Pine City knew they had business to take care of.

As the game began it was clear the time off for both teams brought some new energy. Despite the energy neither team got off to a particularly great start, but credit should be given to the defenses in this game. The Dragons have a history of being one of the best defenses in their section, and Hastings came in only allowing 30 PPG. But sooner than later the intensity increased. Hastings got out to an early lead and kept the Dragons out of reach. While Pine City had moments of good play, they struggled to put it all together in the 1st half. At the halftime break the Raiders lead 26-17.

The 2nd half was a different story for both teams, the Raiders looked to continue their first half success but the Dragons had other plans. Pine City came out looking like a brand new team. Their defense was playing well, but stepped it up a notch and their offense slowly but surely started to get hot. They moved the ball around well and played unselfish ball, and even when things didn't go to plan they were quick to pick each other up. As the game neared it's end the Dragons had taken the lead for the first time and had the chance to keep momentum on their side. While Hastings was sure not to go down without a fight, Pine City was also not going to just hand over the lead. The battle intensified and each team had their chances to try and extend the lead but couldn't overcome the defense. But with under a minute left the Dragons lead and Hastings had no choice but to foul and start sending them to the free throw line. While Pine City did struggle at the charity stripe, they made enough free throws to put the game away with no time left. They had made two clutch free throws to put themselves up by four with only a few seconds left. Though the Raiders did make a two at the buzzer the game was won by Pine City 48-46.

The Dragons improve to 3-2 with the win and beat a AAAA school, which should no doubt provide confidence moving forward. They'll host Foley on Tuesday for an important section battle.

Scoring

Pine City:

Mallory Clepper 17 points, 15 rebounds, 4 steals, 4 blocks

Kate Unverzagt 13 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal, 2 blocks

Paige Gray 10 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal

Vivian Lahti 6 points, 1 rebound, 2 steals

Brooke Boland 2 points, 7 rebounds, 5 steals