Rush City traveled to Pine City Thursday night.
The Dragons jumped out ahead early, but that didn't last long as the Tigers starting to find their groove offensively. Rush City would manage to hold onto the lead throughout much of the first half. Their defense stepped up and didn't allow a shot to be taken without a defender or two being in the face of a Dragon. On offense it was great passing that helped the Tigers sustain their lead as well as unselfish play from everyone who touched the court. With about 6 minutes left in the first half the Dragons finally closed in on the Tiger lead and took it over. They managed to switch things up on the fly and forced their offense into a rhythm. Once the offense got going the defense followed suit and began to close down the passing Rush City was using so well. But even with that both teams were still playing extremely well on both sides of the ball. But it was the Dragons who would go into halftime with a 37-34 lead.
Early on in the second half it was similar to the first, both teams playing well on both sides and keeping the game within a score or two. As the half wore on it seemed as if the Dragons wore down the Tigers and momentum swung in the direction of Pine City. The physicality of the game took a toll on both sides but the Dragons offense kept rolling and managed to get key rebounds on defense. Even though momentum seem to be leaving them, Rush City was still able to drop shots and keep themselves within a few scores of the lead. But as the half neared its end Pine City was able to put the game out of reach with key free throws from Luke Wilson. As time ran out Pine City came out on top 75-67.
The Dragons get back to .500 on the season at 3-3 and 1-1 in the conference. They'll play in Chisago Lakes against the Wildcats on Saturday.
Rush City falls to 3-2 and 2-1 in the Great River Conference. Their next match is tonight against Hinckley-Finlayson.
Scoring
Rush City
Anthony Dass 17
Dakota Schmidt and Landon Mold 15
Owen Dick 6
William Volk 5
Jamison Wood 4
Matthew Kempf 3
Braeden Rood 2
Pine City
Luke Wilson 32
Mason Charles 13
Charles Ausmus 9
Ayden Ostensen and Isaiah Hasz 8
Ashton Seals 4
Riley Cummings 2
