Our Lumberjack basketball TEAM has been away from Dakota College and the court for quite some time. Over the weekend WE competed at Northland Community Technical College in Thief River Falls, MN. It was clear our players enjoyed holiday meals, and time away from the gym as execution of fundamentals was not evident very often. This is common for many teams to begin the new year due to the fact daily practice, daily workouts, and daily routines are broken for over 14 days when they return home for Christmas Break.
Although WE did not play our best basketball by far, WE did play well enough to win both games by double digit scores. A long with the lack of practice time several players were in and out of the lineup over the weekend with colds, or even flu symptoms. If there is a positive to be seen from Christmas Break it would be the random occurrences of unforeseen issues, and the ability of the TEAM to continue to play through adversity. Only time will allow this TEAM to return back to true form in the shape of discipline, work ethic, and desire to compete on every possession.
GAME 1 vs Northland Community and Technical College (W 72-60)
Offense was not the sharpest as you can tell by the 72 points which is the 2nd lowest total for our TEAM this season. Gladly it was not the fact we couldn't make baskets because we shot 55.4% from the field but rather the problem we had taking care of the ball with 28 turnovers. There were several reasons to be displeased with the overall execution throughout the game, but WE also held NCTC to just 60 points. Regardless of some of the miscues passing or catching the basketball WE played strong TEAM defense, and rebounded the ball with much physicality.
Highlights:
Jalyn Turner - 29 points (12-18 from the field) and 4 rebounds. Turner was tremendous throughout the entire game playing 35 minutes. It was good to see Turner breakout as his offensive game is blossoming game by game, but WE also count on him every night to defend the primary ball handler.
Julian Vasquez - 18 points (8-13 from the field) and 4 rebounds. Vasquez played this weekend under the weather with the flu. He was not quite the same player but managed to be extremely efficient offensively.
Patrick Robinson - 14 points (6-10 from the field). Robinson is possibly our most electric player because of his speed, athleticism, and ability to shoot the ball. He has earned more and more minute throughout the season, and we don't expect that to change.
GAME 2 vs Rainy River (W 99-73)
Our second game of the Classic was a complete 180 from playing NCTC. WE looked to have enthusiasm for the game again as execution, focus, and intensity appeared to return. The TEAM seemed to enjoy the entire game as multiple people made big shots or big plays. WE took much better care of the ball with 15 turnovers (still too many), defended together holding Rainy to 31% from the field, and played with confidence offensively scoring on 59% of our attempts. Of course the game was far from perfect, but the individual and collective effort was something we have come to expect.
Highlights:
Julian Vasquez - 19 points and 8 rebounds. Did a great job of getting easy baskets around the rim through transition or posting up the defender on the block. Any time he can get a rebound and go Vasquez puts a lot of pressure on the defense.
Wesley Harrison - 12 points and 6 rebounds. Harrison is doing a great job of making second effort plays around the rim. He is extremely athletic with a motor that keeps going strong.
Billy Engel - 10 points and 7 rebounds (2/2 from the 3FG). The sophomore PG showed why he has been the captain of the TEAM by playing at a great pace all weekend. Engel brings poise to this TEAM during moments of chaos.
NEXT UP
Conference play begins this week as WE travel to Bismarck State for a much anticipated meeting. They have a good group of players with a new coach who has BSC playing a different style than last year. WE look forward to opening up Conference play as games now carry much more weight.
Game tips off on January 9th at 8p in Bismarck. Game will be livestreamed through BSC athletic website.
It is good to be home.
Get Jacked UP,
Cory Fehringer
