Bucs Start Out Strong in Season Opener
(pictured: DeAngelo Horn)
In their season opener, the Dawson Community College Buccaneers raced out to an early double-digit lead and didn't look back as they beat Rocky Mountain JV 110-59. Jajuan Tot got them going on their first possession with a strong drive to the basket. Reggie Martin and Kennedy Brown made two free throws each in the next two possessions to give Dawson a 6-0 advantage before Rocky scored their first points. A few minutes later and up 17-7, the Bucs got it going from deep. Riley Spoonhunter connected, followed by back to back 3’s from Michael Jok. Jalen Tot finished the mini-run with another one to put Dawson up by 20. They continued to dominate with stifling defense, controlling the boards and balanced scoring. The Bucs shot 53% from the field, 40% from 3-point range and 88% from the free throw line in the first half to head into the locker room with a commanding 61-26 advantage. Eleven players scored for DCC and they outscored their visitors 32-10 in the paint. Brown scored 15 points and Jalen Tot scored 12 in the first twenty minutes.
Dawson cooled off a little from long range in the second half, but kept getting to the basket with ease. The Battlin Bears never got closer than 31 the rest of the night as Dawson continued to exert its will. For the game Dawson shot 53%, forced 19 TO's, and out rebounded the Battlin Bears 47-39. The Bucs had 4 guys in double digits led by Jalen Tot with 18 points to go along with his 7 steals. Kennedy Brown shot 7 for 11 from the field to score 17, Cordell Stinson had 13 points and 6 rebounds, and Reggie Martin scored 12 points in 12 minutes. Other notables included Michael Jok with 8 points and 5 rebounds, and Lieb Yat grabbed 10 rebounds in 11 minutes of play.
The Battlin' Bears were led by Brett Clark who scored 14 points and grabbed 11 rebounds.
Bucs Coach Joe Peterson had this to say, “I was impressed by how our guys came out from the tip hungry. I thought we played free and unselfish for most of the night. We could have definitely rebounded a little better and taken better care of the ball, but otherwise there were a lot of positives. It felt good to finally play a real game and get the season underway. Our size, athleticism and depth really gave them problems.”
Dawson will go to New Town, ND to play in the Buster Gillis Mon-Dak Tip Off Classic this upcoming Friday-Sunday (Nov 5-7). The first game will be against United Tribes Technical College on Friday afternoon.
