The DCB Ladyjack basketball team played 2 games around President's Day Weekend and on Sunday, came up with a big win to help their chances of hosting a playoff game.
On Thursday, February 11th, DCB traveled to Montana to face Miles CC, the defending MonDak Conference champion. The Ladyjacks came up short out in big sky country, losing to the Pioneers 84-60. DCB stuggled offensively in the first half, but kept the game within reach with some good defensive play. In the second half, Miles pulled away on their home court. Trinity Goggles had game highs in points (19) and rebounds (9) for the Ladyjacks. Sydnie Nelson had a game high 4 assists to go along with 8 points and 4 rebounds while Jayla Howard scored 11 for DCB.
From Coach Johnson; "What a tale of two halves was this game. Both teams struggled hitting buckets in the first half, but Miles came out in the second half on fire, going 11 of 17 for 64%, behind the three-point arc. That was undoubtedly the best three-point shooting demonstration we have seen in any of our games this season. We actually hung in with a solid shooting second half also. It was not our best performance, but we competed. It's tough to beat a good team like Miles when they shot was well as they did."
The Ladyjacks took that competitive fire into their home game on Sunday vs. Dawson CC. Dawson got out to a lead early, but DCB had a big 2nd quarter to lead at the half 36-34. The Ladyjacks came out strong in the third quarter to pull away and end up winning the game 79-62. DCB outscored Dawson 29-12 in the 3rd period in a great effort. Trinity Goggles and Sydnie Nelson each had monster scoring games with 26 and 23 points respectively. Goggles also pulled down 17 rebounds 4 steals, and 4 assists, leading the ladyjacks in all 4 categories for the game. Jayla Howard scored 13 points and Lauren Gangl had a team high 4 blocked shots.
From Coach Johnson; "What a huge win for our ladies and the program. This one ranks right up there with the United Tribes win earlier in January. It gives us a chance to host the Region XIII Playoff opening round. Lots of things must happen but at least we have a shot. It was a great team effort. Everyone played well and made solid contributions. Everyone played well. We now have created a big game situation in the Woodshed Thursday and that's exactly what we had hoped would happen."
DCB will host Williston State Thursday night at the Woodshed, a game the Ladyjacks need desperately if they hope to host an early round playoff game. Tip off will be 5:30 in Bottineau.