Sports
Ladyjacks go 1-2, beating Trinity Bible, but falling to Dawson and Northeast Community College
Tyler Ohmann
11/20/2012
Despite out shooting all three opponents this past week the Dakota College at Bottineau Ladyjacks finished with a 1-2 record including a MonDak loss at home on Thursday night.
That was where the week began for DCB with a 70-58 loss to the Dawson Buccaneers, despite out shooting them 39 percent to 34 percent.
The Ladyjacks trailed by six at halftime, and still couldn’t buy a break in the second half, despite a better defensive effort.
“Those rebounds were certainly the difference in the game tonight,” said Ladyjacks head coach Wayne Johnson. “I thought we did some things better than last weekend but just could not overcome giving up 26 offensive rebounds. We expect to make strides as the season moves on and rebounding certainly needs to be a priority.”
Jackie Miller led DCB in scoring as she had 15 points and seven rebounds. Dominique Staten was the only other Ladyjack in double figures. She had 10 points and three steals.
Sophomore Jordyn Sondrol grabbed a team-best 11 rebounds and blocked a team-high three shots in the loss.
“We had stretches where we played pretty well but we need more consistency. For the most part we handled their press well and gave ourselves some nice scoring opportunities,” Johnson stated. “Defensively we kept them below 35 percent from the field. If we continue our play in those two areas we should win our share of games.”
They Ladyjacks did just that on Saturday in the first game of the Baymont Classic in Wahpetion.
On that day the Ladyjacks squared off with Trinity Bible College and were able to slide past the Lions in a 66-58 win.
DCB took advantage early and led 26-22 at halftime. They extended the lead in the second half as the scoring opened up.
“Good win and it could not have come at a better time,” Johnson stated. “We have been a bit down and needed something good to happen.”
Both Miller and Josie Degagne had 14 points in the win for the DCB. Shakira Walker had 12 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Megan Green grabbed a team-best 11 boards.
“We did a better job on the boards than in our last few games and that was great to see,” Johnson stated. “This was a big win particularly with our tough schedule going into the semester break.”
However, a sweep at the Baymont Classic wasn’t in the cards for the Ladyjacks as they were narrowly defeated 74-70 by Northeast Community College despite a second half run.
“We had a very good effort in defeat versus an outstanding Northeast team. They have had a great program for years and this may be their best team,” Johnson stated. “Obviously we were disappointed in the loss but we are feeling pretty good about how we competed.”
Degagne scored a team and season best 20 points in the win. Sophomores Walker (16), Miller (15) and Sondrol (11) also scored in double figures. Miller also led the Ladyjacks with 10 rebounds and three assists.
The Ladyjacks and Lady Hawks both shot 39 percent in the contest, while DCB had the edge in three pointers 48 to 38 percent.
DCB also made 18-of-25 free throws, while the Lady Hawks made 9-of-15 in the loss.
“Overall it was a very good weekend,” Johnson stated. “I think our team learned a lot and gained some confidence.”
DCB’s next contest will be at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 28 against Dawson.