The DCB Ladyjacks had a mixed bag of experiences this past weekend at the Miles Community College Pioneers Foundation Classic basketball tournament in Miles City, Montana. They had a lesson taught to them by one of the strongest Division I basketball teams in the area in Miles and they had a thrilling wire-to-wire overtime game against the Rocky Mountain College Battlin Bears JV team.
Friday November 16: The Jacks and Battlin Bears did just that; battle! For most of the game the score was close. The only double-digit lead was had by the Ladyjacks when they lead by 10 at the 9 minute mark of the second half. It didn't last long! A few missed 3 pointers later and some clutch shooting on behalf of the Bears and the game was close with just 5 minutes left to play. The game went down to the wire with the Ladyjacks getting the ball on a missed jump shot by the Bears with just 40 seconds left. After a lose ball is awarded to the Ladyjacks Jacks Head Coach Wayne Johnson calls a timeout with 21.2 on the clock. The Ladyjacks worked the clock down for a last shot to win. With no time on the clock star guard Victoria Obergfell was forced to take a tough shot from the corner but missed sending the game to overtime tied at 63. The Jacks might not have had the opportunity had it not been for some last minute clutch free throws by Sydnie Nelson who went 6 for 6 in the late going while both teams were in bonus situation.
In overtime the Ladyjacks defense stood strong, as they did most of the game, in particular on the defensive boards where they had their best game of the year. They went on to outscore the Bears by 5 winning 81-76.
Obergfell was the top scorer with 24 points while Uhlenkamp added 16. Nelson had a season high 11 rebounds Uhlenkamp and Obergfell added 8.
Saturday November 16: The Ladyjacks took on a strong, physical and fast Pioneers team that pressured the DCB offense into turnovers. Many turnovers, in fact the Pioneers scored 41 points off of DCB losses. "Their pressure defense was the major factor in the game. They play a wild, run and jump defense all over the court and it can be difficult to attack, especially when we have not faced that type of pressure before", explained Head Coach Wayne Johnson. Obergfell got into foul trouble early and spent more time on the bench then Coach Johnson would want. Jazzmin Keplin saw more minutes due to Obergfell's foul trouble and Coach Johnson pointed out that she had a "good, efficient game" going 4 for 5 with 8 points from the field. Madison Uhlenkemp lead the team in rebounds with 8.
The Ladyjacks will hit the road again on Tuesday Nov. 20th as they travel to take on Trinity Bible College. Game time is 6:00pm.