by Coach Cory Buchholz
The Blue Dragon “C” team tipped off against a well-rounded team from Dell Rapids on February 27 and came out on the losing end by a score of 41-66. “I was really proud of the way we played in the first half of this game as we did some great things on the defensive side of the ball that led to some easy transition points on the other end,” said Coach Buchholz. “We started to mentally break down in the second half of the game as their defensive pressure increased and we just couldn’t overcome our mistakes or their fresh legs.”
Isaiah Gnadt paved the way with 11 points while Sam Schleuter was close behind with 9 of his own. Cadyn Ockenga chipped in 6 points while Clay Lardy had 5 points off the bench. Rounding out the scoring with 3 points each were Matthew Gilbert and Dylan Jessen while Eli Reed and Drew Pederson each put in a 2-point bucket.
In the JV contest, we were just outworked on both ends of the court losing by a score of 30-55. “For some reason, we have a stigma that we just can’t hang with certain teams and Dell Rapids is one of those teams. We always know that teams like this will have a full bench with plenty of rest. We also need to know that if we play each team like we don’t care who they are, just go out and have fun, good things will happen,” stated coach Buchholz.
Leading our effort in the JV was Sam Schleuter off the bench with 8 points and Josef Zahn with 7. Cooper Long and Isaiah Gnadt each had 4 points apiece. Evan Bly knocked down 3 free throws while Brady DeBates and Drew Pederson each tallied 2 points.
Both the “C” team and the JV team finished the season with winning records with the “C” team going 7-5 and the JV team finishing with a record of 11-7.
With this being my first year as assistant, I am extremely both grateful and humbled with all the kindness, love, and support that was shown to us as coaches throughout the year. I want to personally thank Coach Heitkamp. I honestly don’t think he has a clue of how much he is respected by myself and everyone that he encounters day in and day out. I also want to thank my wife Kelsey, she didn’t have to, but she did put up with the ups and downs of a long season, I love you. Colton, Caylix, and Coyer without you three we wouldn’t have ever been hydrated enough or would have been slipping and falling all over the place. All 3 of you make every one of us on the team better in more ways than one. Thank you to Coach Heumiller and Coach Shape for always being willing to help when called upon, much respect. Thank you to the community of Garretson that came out and supported us this year. I know that our record didn’t reflect how we wanted the season to go, but I know that we made huge strides in shaping our future. Thank you to the school administration for giving us this opportunity to be a part of these young men’s lives and to help build a culture in Garretson.
Lastly, I want to thank each one of the players and their parents. The love and respect that you have shown us this year goes beyond what we could ever show in return. I want to wish all the graduating seniors’ good luck in their future endeavors and know that you will be missed.
We can’t wait for next year and once again, thank you to all!! Always know that the FUTURE IS BRIGHT FOR BLUE DRAGON BASKETBALL!!!
