The Dragons won the first two rounds of the section 6AA playoffs and Lily Wilson became the first Dragon in school history to reach 2000 career points!
Pine City 70
Rush City 36
Pine City met their rivals from down the road for the third time this season, but this time the stakes were a little higher as it was the first round of the playoffs. In a low scoring first half, the Dragons were gradually able to build the lead. "Give Rush City credit for coming out and getting after it on the defensive end of the floor." The Dragons had a 15 point lead at halftime at 29-14. In the second half, Pine City was able to open it up a bit and out scored the Tigers 41-22. "We are very happy to be advancing to the next round." "There are always some jitters going into the playoffs and the kids fought through those and found a way to get the job done." Lily Wilson was able to accomplish something that no other Dragon has ever done before in scoring 2000 points. "Lily has had a great career." "We are so happy for her and proud of her for all of her accomplishments and records." "She will always be the first one to get there." Hopefully we have some young Dragons out there that are setting their sights on joining Lily in that club someday." Wilson led the Dragons with 20 points, 6 assists and 6 steals. Sophie Lahti had 15 points and 9 rebounds. Ellie Hasz had 9 points, 9 rebounds and 4 blocks. Kloey Lind had 8 points. Alaina Steele had 6 points, 5 rebounds and 4 steals. Ashley Faur had 6 points and 6 rebounds. Meredith Kolling had 5 points and 7 rebounds. Ally Chromey had 3 points. "It was a good win that hopefully will lead to more playoff wins."
Pine City 63
Melrose 47
The Dragons had a sluggish first half offensively but were able to keep the Dutchmen to 24 first half points to keep it close at the half. "We were settling for average shots and we played a little rushed in the first half." The Dragons came out in the second half and showed why they are a top 10 ranked team in the state. "We picked up the intensity on defense and were able to turn some defense into offense." "A big key however, was being more patient on offense." We were able to find people in places were they could score at a high percentage." The Dragons outscored Melrose 42-23 in the second half. The Dragons had 21 assists on their 24 baskets. "When you are getting assist numbers like that you know you are playing good team basketball." Pine City was led in scoring by Ellie Hasz who had 20 points and 9 rebounds and 3 steals. Sophie Lahti had 15 points and 7 rebounds. Lily Wilson set a Pine City girls basketball record with 13 assists to go along with her 14 points. Meredith Kolling had 9 points and 3 blocks. Alaina Steele had 3 points and 3 assists. Kloey Lind had 2 points and 3 rebounds. Ashley Faur had 9 rebounds and 3 assists. "We are excited to be in the semi-finals again this year." "There are a lot of good teams left so it will be a great final 4." The Dragons will play Sauk Centre at 7:30 on Wednesday at St. Johns University.
Photo Credit: Pine City Public Schools Facebook Page
