Lumberjacks Drop Home Game vs. Dakota County

The Lumberjacks ran into a very talented and athletic team in Dakota County out of Minneapolis by a score of 97-75. We knew going into the game it was going to be a difficult match-up as the Blue Knights of Dakota County have commonly been ranked top 10 nationally this year, along with the fact it was our 1st meeting with a Region XIII opponent. Despite the score our TEAM came ready to play initiating 11 lead changes throughout the first half. In short, as a TEAM we did not take care of the ball (22 turnovers) or convert on FT opportunities (12-25). These two statistics alone created an uphill battle we could not overcome as Dakota County took advantage of our mistakes.

Resiliency: returning to the original form or position after being bent, compressed or stretched.

On a brighter note, WE felt this game provided us an opportunity to reflect on where we are at 13 games into the season (7-6) and where we need to go as the road to an extended post-season will more than likely run through Dakota County. The Blue Knights did a good job of mixing up zone defensive approaches after man-man seemed to not be effective against us. From the coaching staff doing a better job of teaching our TEAM how to attack a variety of zone looks, to our players staying aggressive and understanding what weaknesses can be exposed in a zone became extremely clear. It is easy after a loss to say we could've done this and should've done that, but honestly there is a simple way to resolve some issues raised during the game. Our TEAM must learn how to SUSTAIN three areas of winning pedigrees - Energy/Effort/Focus. Good teams play hard majority of the game but great teams play hard from beginning to end regardless of score, or who is on the floor.

Can our TEAM show signs of being resilient when faced with adversity?

Jayden McMillin - 19 points, 7 rebounds, 8-14 from the field and 3-3 from the arc
Billey Engel         - 14 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds
Kristoff Walker    - 11 points, 6 assists
Roybell Baez        - Led TEAM with 9 rebounds in only 17 min

It is difficult to lose any home games, but the fact remains WE must bounce back as we play 3 away games in a row over the weekend beginning against Bismarck State on Thursday. WE must develop short-term memory, learn from our mistakes, and apply strategies discussed to be better prepared. College basketball is a marathon not a sprint, and we would be foolish to believe one game in January has any indication of what the Lumberjacks are capable of accomplishing.

Continue to support the Jacks as WE will continue to work. Thanks to those who made the trip to "The Woodshed" even though the weather was not most ideal.

Let's Get Jacked UP,

Coach Fehringer