Easy vs. Hard
Winning is HARD, winning road games is hard, and winning three straight games on the road would be almost impossible in college basketball. You may not believe me when I say the fact that our TEAM went 1-2 during a three game road trip in three days is a positive step. In fact our TEAM played 4 games in 5 days and WE are about to play our 5th game in 7 days. It would be EASY to make excuses, be upset with the schedule, or begin to fall apart because we are facing adversity but I believe this stretch is going to make us a better TEAM.
We began by playing at Bismarck State in an exciting game. Our Jacks led the majority of the game and with 2 minutes left to play, WE were up by 5 points. Bismarck State has a couple of sophomores who came up clutch with big shots and WE made a few mistakes that cost us the game in a 92-87 loss. Shot selection, rebounding, and staying focused on the task were all areas we need to improve when the game is on the line. Needless to say I thought we took a step in the right direction by controlling the tempo for the most part, competing against a very dynamic Bismarck team, and having an opportunity to win at the end of the day.
Next up was Trinity Bible who has an advantage due to the fact they are a four year institution. Whenever you play an older and more mature team they are going to cause problems for underclassmen. It was a back and forth game but with 22 seconds to play our TEAM was down 5 points, and it appeared we were going to drop another close game. Colby Boyes and Kristoff Walker came to the rescue as Boyes drained a corner 3 with 14 ticks left. After our guys executed a trap off of the in-bounds Walker stole the pass and made a lay-up to force an extra session. Eventually we would pull off a 85-82 comeback, but it would be a quick turn around the next day.
The final stretch. Our most difficult opponent Dakota County took it to us by simply out playing US, and out coach US in every way 70-40. Again, I could blame the fact we only had 14 hours in between games but WE are a better group than what we showed. 16 minutes into the game we had a 1 point lead, and our discipline was out the window. After watching the film our effort/energy/focus was not present.
On Monday night we played against NDSCS who is now 17-3 during the season. They were big, strong, and executed a game plan. Once again for a good portion of the game our TEAM competed against a more talented opponent but could not hold our ground as the Wildcats pulled away for a 77-60 win. Our achilles heel and will continue to be our ability to defensive rebound, because of our lack in size. We gave up too many second chances and eventually that statistic will wear a team out. Rebounding is not a talent statistic, but a caring and effort statistic. Guards must do a better job of making physical contact, bench must be more productive, and our teamwork must improve as far as passing, screening, and cutting is concerned.
I apologize for taking this much time to update our blog, but WE have been busy. Keeping a positive perspective is most important as this year is not going to get any easier. WE constantly play D1 opponents who are having a high level of success, but we must strive to for daily improvement. When it is all said and done NDSCS, Williston State, Lake Region, and Bismarck State is not what is most important but focusing on what WE do.
Please continue to support OUR TEAM this year, as I can tell you WE will keep working to make Dakota College proud of our effort and resilience.
"Adversity Does Not Build Character, it Reveals Character" - WE must embrace the HARD.
Coach Fehringer
