Sports

Ladyjacks drop two of three at preconference tourney

By Tyler Ohmann

11/15/2011

The Dakota College at Bottineau Ladyjacks basketball team continued their season with a tough task as they traveled to Williston to take part in the MonDak Preconference tournament.

The Ladyjacks went 1-2 over the weekend, as they lost to Williston State and United Tribes, but defeated Dawson Community College in their final game on Saturday.
The Ladyjacks began the tourney on Thursday evening against the host Williston State University.

The Ladyjacks were pounced on early as the Tetons used a distinct height advantage to exploit the Ladyjacks defense and take a 33-12 halftime lead.

“We were pretty much dominated by a very good, big Teton team,” stated Ladyjacks Head Coach Wayne Johnson. “We really struggled in the first half offensively versus their pressure and defensively versus their size.”

The Ladyjacks played better in the second half, scoring 34 points, but the result was still in major favor with the Tetons, who finished with a 79-46 win.

“We played a bit better in the second half offensively,” Johnson stated. “We seemed to figure somethings out and did get some better shots.”

The Ladyjacks were led in scoring by freshman Josie Degagne. Degagne finished with 14 points. The only other Ladyjack in double digits was Jackie Miller who had 10. Jordyn Sondrol had 10 rebounds to lead the Ladyjacks inside.

DCB was out shot 50-26 percent from the field, and were a dismal 5-for-20 from three-point range.

On Friday another poor first half performance cost the Ladyjacks another game as United Tribes Community College used a 14-point first-half lead translate to a 72-60 win.

“This was a very disappointing effort for us,” Johnson stated. “After the first few minutes the T-Birds pretty much controlled the game. We seemed to be content to let that happen.”

Miller was again a leader for DCB, as she had 17 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals. Sondrol had a double-double as she led the Ladyjacks with 10 rebounds and also scored 10 points. Shakira Walker was also in double digits with 13 points.

DCB turned the ball over 29 times in the contest and shot 31 percent from the field.

“We struggled getting into an offensive rhythm versus their athletic ability. Both of those areas were predictable coming into the weekend.” Johnson said. “We don’t have the experience to understand the level of effort and execution necessary to compete at the college level. The MonDak is our annual wake up call.”

Following the two losses to open the tournament the Ladyjacks closed the tourney with a 58-56 win over Dawson Community College.
The win came after the Ladyjacks erased a six-point halftime deficit to get the win.

“I was really proud of the ladies effort today whether we would have won or lost,” Johnson said. “We played with much more heart and I think we are starting to understand the effort required.”

The Ladyjacks trailed 56-53, but got a huge three-pointer from Degagne, which tied the contest.

Freshman Maria Espindola hit the game-winner with less than a minute remaining.

DCB shot an improved 41 precent from the field. Miller and Sondrol were again leader for the Ladyjacks. Miller led DCB in scoring and rebounding with 14 points and seven boards. Sondrol had 11 points and three steals.

Also in double digits for the Ladyjacks was Megan Green, who had 10 points and seven boards.

“Defensively we did a better job of pressuring the ball and of getting back in transition defense,” Johnson said. “Offensively we had a pretty good second half and most importantly made the big plays down the stretch.”

Following the weekend tourney, the Ladyjacks are now 3-2 on the season. Johnson was happy with the learning the team did over the weekend.

“I really like the learning opportunity this tournament provides annually,” Johnson stated. “We have much progress to make but I believe we can see the big picture better after the three games.”

The Ladyjacks will trave with the men’s team to Wahpeton for a tournament hosted by the North Dakota State College of Science.