The Lady Dragons hosted Hinckley-Finlayson Monday night.
On a bit of a hectic night for basketball, where the game time was moved up and both teams were dealing with players being out, it was time for a conference battle. Pine City had won 3 in a row gotten 2 games over .500 and were looking to win their 4th in a row. The Jags have had a learning year with some young and inexperienced players taking on much bigger roles.
It was a hot start to the game both teams scored within the first few minutes. The Dragons wanted to push the pace of the game alittle bit and this played in their favor. Their defense was able to create turnovers and also force some ill advised passed from the Jags that gave the ball back to the green and white. Before long Pine City found themselves leading by double digits. The Jags weren't going away quietly though, they made some big stops defensively which they quickly turned into points. Even if they weren't scoring their defense was making it difficult for the Dragons offense to play how they wanted. Although Pine City lead at half, 36-14, the Jags had ended the 1st with some momentum swung their way.
Much like the 1st, the 2nd half got out to a fast start, but only for one team. The Dragons came out and could not miss. But their defense was just as good playing lights out creating even more turnovers. Many of which turned into wide open shot underneath the basket. The Dragons had built their lead to over 35 points with no signs of slowing down. For the Jags, the clock would continue to run without them scoring. But with 5 minutes left they finally cracked the scoreboard. They even finished the game on an 8-3 run, giving them plenty of confidence going forward. However, at the end of the game it was Pine City on top winning 59-22.
For Pine City it is their 4th win in a row. They'll have a chance for some revenge of Thursday as they welcome in Aitkin.
For the Jags, a tough loss but also a game where there will be plenty of positives to take away from it. They'll play in Ogilvie Tuesday night.
Scoring
Pine City:
Paige Gray 16
Mallory Clepper and Brooke Boland 11
Reyah Johnson 8
Piper Mettling 7
Rhetta Ganote 4
Kate Unverzagt 1
Hinckley-Finlayson:
Hayasen Taggart 8
Ava Blowers 6
Aris Richey 4
Brooklyn Storlie and Riley Winsor-Scott 2
