BV Claws Brookings in ESD Cat Fight

A Game: BV 48, Brookings 39

(Brandon, SD)--In a rematch of the opening game of the season, the Brandon Valley A team used its defensive prowess and offensive precision to handle the Brookings Bobcats, 48-39. The Lynx team that showed up tonight was a vast improvement from the first game between these two schools. The biggest struggle facing the Lynx thus far has been consistency. Tonight, they seemed to solve that problem, putting together two solid halves of basketball. In the first half, the BV defense was solid, containing Brookings' all-American #52 to only four points. The offense was executed well, resulting in open shots and drives to the lane. It was a game that was very satisfying to watch for the fans, coaches, and scouts. "We played a great game tonight," commented Coach Bisbee, "We finally played a whole game the way we are capable of playing." In the second half, it was more of the same for the Lynx, who would not be denied a solid victory. It was a complete shut-down of the Bobcats offense in the third quarter. The BV defense held the Bobcats to only three points, and as Chase Marso pointed out, "I can count all their third quarter points on one hand cause I have 5 fingers on one hand and five is more than three." The game would not end without moments of anxiety, however, as #52 started to get hot, leading the Bobcats on a mini-run midway through the fourth quarter. Showing the poise of a team used to exciting finishes, the Lynx kept their composure and finished the game with a victory. "I am just exuberant," exclaimed Bisbee after the game, "I had a grand time watching these kids play tonight." The paint was controlled by the post play of Jacob Bruget, Nathan Winter, Jarad Bakker and Colin Lloyd. They were able to keep #52, who averages 33 points and 17 rebounds a game, from dominating the action down low. On the perimeter, Adam Bauer, Luke Hyronimus, Chase Marso and Tony Tripp showed the defensive intensity that the fans of BV expect to see.
Trevor Tobin played a solid game, though he had to shake off early nervousness due to his sister being in the crowd. "I really wanted to play a great game for my sister, who came all the way from Robert Bennis to watch me play," stated Tobin. After the game, Tessa Tobin was asked what the key to victory for the A team was: "They all had really nice shoes on." Chase Marso and Colin Lloyd led the way in the scoring department with 16 and 9 points, respectively.
The Lynx will next face Watertown on Tuesday at Brandon Valley Middle School on "Bob McNamara" court. It will be a stiff test for the Lynx. Watertown boasts an undefeated record and a line-up of 4 players over 6'5" Will the Lynx be up to the task? Come watch on Tuesday to find out.




A- Game: BV 52, Brookings 24

(Brandon, SD)--Once again, the GOATS of Brandon did not disappoint, as they trounced the humbled Brookings Bobcats 52-24. The Lynx opened the game with their signature pressure defense, flying around the court double teaming at any and every moment. That defensive pressure attributed to countless steals and fast break points. Actually, I did count the steals-41 to be exact. The double-teaming that was being applied to the Bobcats was so effective because of the flawless strategy: the Lynx would have 2 guys doubling the ball, 3 guys taking the middle of the court away, and 3 guys protecting the basket in the paint. The Bobcats had literally no place to go with the ball. A typical Brookings possession went like this: 1. Brookings would inbound the ball after a Lynx bucket. 2. The Brookings point guard would bring the ball up the court and cross half court. 3. The Lynx players would start sprinting towards the point guard to double team. 4. The Brookings point guard would let out a shriek of horror as the Lynx approached. 5. The Brookings point guard would throw the ball up in the air and run back on defense. "I was really pleased with our defensive pressure tonight," stated Coach Klumper, "but, I must say, I still believe we can apply even more pressure. After all, they did score 24 points, which is 24 more points that I want to give up." The Lynx continued to run offense like they were getting paid to do it, relentlessly driving to the basket or feeding the post. Garret Martinmaas exhibited Zeus-like strength in the post offensively and defensively. "Once Garret gets the ball in his hands, nobody is going to steal it," said Klumper, "He is scary-strong." The Bobcats found absolutely no success inside the paint due to the presence of Zach Van Ede, Thomas Gardner, Adam Guthmiller, and Martinmaas. "Our posts completely shut down the paint, it was amazing," stated Klumper. The guard play was also exceptional for the Lynx thanks to Philip Volk, Trey Ethreim, Cole Vanderbeek, Brandon Hintz and the Mulder Twins. Despite the lopsided victory, there is still room for improvement, and that thought alone strikes fear in the hearts of every upcoming opponent. "I would like to see us do a better job of feeding the posts," said Klumper, "I do not allow our posts to have after-school snacks on game days because I want them to stay hungry for the ball down low." Trey Ethriem was not impressed by that joke: "What a dumb thing to say." Despite the hurtful words from Ethreim, Klumper was very proud of his team tonight, "We continue to play at a very high level, its great to watch." Trevor Tobin's cousin was also at the game tonight, and when asked about the B game, Cassidy Wethor stated, "They were really fast and they worked together, but the coach was overdressed." The Lynx will next face rival Watertown next Tuesday.


C Game: BV 57, Brookings 40

(Brandon, SD)--The finale for the night showcased two undefeated teams with a lot of team speed facing off in a blockbuster showdown in the ESD. First half action was close, both teams finding success in a high-scoring first half. For the Lynx, nicknamed R.A.G.S (Run And Gun Shooters), Andy Waterfall appeared to be a step faster than the Bobcats. Brookings could not stop Waterfall, they could only hope to contain him. The Lynx did a great job penetrating the lane and finishing the shot or kicking it out to a wide open teammate for a three-pointer. Levi Vanderweide, Harlan Smouse and Nick Wilde played stellar at the guard position, coming away with multiple steals and baskets. In the post, Spencer Smith and Dylan Tibke, among others, forced their will upon the opponents by grabbing every rebound in sight. The Lynx began to slowly pull away as their pressure defense and fast breaking was too much for the Bobcats. With every steal for the Lynx, came a full court pass to a wide open teammate under the basket for an easy two points. Towards the end of the fourth quarter, Dylan Tibke darted across the lane and blocked a shot so hard that the ball chipped some of the brick off the wall. Jared Mulder, sitting by Coach Klumper in the stands, was impressed as he yelled, "Oh yeah! He tasted leather on that block." Actually, it was Mulder who was tasting leather. He meant to grab a piece of beef jerky from his house, but instead grabbed his brother's leather bookmark from the counter and hadn't yet noticed that it was not actually beef jerky that he was chewing on. Tibke had a stellar game on offense as he was basically unstoppable, scoring 19 points. Nathan Welch chipped in with 8. The Lynx will take on Watertown next Tuesday, which promises to be the epitome of excitement.