Sports

Ladyjacks split games on trip to Thief River Falls

By Tyler Ohmann

01/07/2014

A trip east to Thief River Falls, Minn. ended with a split for the Dakota College at Bottineau women’s basketball team.

The Ladyjacks fell to the host Northland Techinal and Community College (NCTC) 80-48 last Friday, and then topped Rainy River Community College (RRCC) 65-44 last Saturday.

First on Friday the Pioneers did some damage to the Ladyjacks with a strong second half that saw them grow their lead by 20 points.

DCB actually led 20-12 in the first half, but then fell behind by 12 at halftime.

They then couldn’t put things back together in the second half to make a comeback and wound up falling 80-48 to the home team.

“This was a tough opponent and a tough way to start the second half of our season,” stated Ladyjacks head coach Wayne Johnson. “They have a solid game in all areas and we didn’t have answers for their weapons.”

One of those was post player Sarah Durand, who had 25 points. DCB also was outrebounded 43-35.

“Their inside player, Sarah Durand, is a play making, game changer,” Johnson stated. “Not only does she score but she opens things up for her teammates.”

Imani Scott led the Ladyjacks with 14 points, as she hit 4-of-8 three point shots. Savannah Bruce added 11 points and a team-best five rebounds.

“We certainly have plenty to do to clean up in our offensive execution and our defensive play but it was good to get back in action after the long break,” Johnson stated. “We did play hard but it was obvious we got tired after our good start.”

The Ladyjacks bounced back to their start on Friday with a 65-44 win on Saturday against the RRCC Voyageurs.

The Ladyjacks and Voyageurs were tied at 30 at halftime, but DCB put on the jets in the second half to earn the win.

“This was a very nice bounce back game for the ladies,” Johnson stated. “We struggled a bit in the first half and went to the locker-room tied at 30 but put together a very solid second half.”

“After the half time break we played some excellent team defense holding the Voyageurs to 14 points,” Johnson added.

DCB outshot RRCC 44 to 27 percent and also made twice as many trips to the free throw line. The Ladyjacks also outrebounded the Voyageurs 51-35. All those categories were things that Johnson looked to improve from the game on Friday.

“We certainly executed much better offensively,” Johnson stated. “If we can continue with that type of play we should have a very good second half of the season.”

Bruce had 16 points to lead the Ladyjacks and Tessa Walters had a strong game with 12 points. Scott added 10 points and Shikaya Chase had her best game of the season grabbing nine rebounds.

“This was a very good team effort and we look to build on it as we move into MonDak Conference play,” Johnson stated.

DCB, now 9-7, will next play Bismarck State College on Thursday in Bismarck to open up the MonDak Conference season.