The Garretson Boys' Varsity Basketball season came to an end after a heavily-fought game against Baltic last week Thursday, March 6. The rivals managed to eke out an edge the Dragons just couldn't overcome, despite several attempts throughout the game.
The two teams were evenly matched throughout the first quarter, as they each battled for the ball. Baltic scored first after several tries, but Garretson wasn't too far behind as Brecken Weir put in a 2-pointer only seconds later. They ended the first quarter 7-9 after a last-second basket from the Dragons failed to sink.
Garretson's defense did well to block and keep the Bulldogs from getting too comfortable in the second quarter, but Baltic's strategy of waiting out the clock and keeping the ball on their side of the court proved to be successful in keeping the Dragons slightly behind throughout the rest of the game. They entered the half five points behind, 14-19.
Both teams entered the third quarter with a fire in their bellies as they gathered 17 points for the Dragons and 19 points for the Bulldogs. The teams went into the fourth with a 7-point spread, 31-38.
The advantage gave the Bulldogs the lead as they entered the decisive final quarter, but that's when the Dragons went for broke and kept the Bulldogs down to zero while they gathered 8 points, putting them ahead 39-38. With just under three minutes left on the clock, however, the Bulldogs took possession and went on their own run of eight points.
Despite attempts to close that gap, the Dragons just couldn't get the ball through the hoop, and the buzzer sounded with Garretson behind, 39-46.
In the next round of the quarterfinals, Baltic lost to Dell Rapids. The SoDak 16 was scheduled to play on Tuesday with Dells facing Rapid City Christian (results not available at press time).
Garretson ended its season with an overall win-loss score of 9-12. Kudos to the team, and to seniors Cole Jessen, Josh Gilbert, Ian Buettner, Treyton Decker, and Noah Schotzko, on a great season.
