BV Takes 2 out of 3 from the Kernels

A Game: Mitchell 35, BV 29

(Brandon, SD)--It was a disappointing home opener for the Lynx, as they dropped their first game of the season, 35-29 to the Mitchell Kernels. The offense looked discombobulated as the Lynx continue to try to find a successful formula. Defensively, the effort was there overall, but a few lapses in effort and focus resulted in easy lay-ups for the Kernels. For the second straight game, the Lynx got off to a slow start, going down by eleven only minutes into the game. The Kernels managed to contain the vaunted Lynx fast break on defense. With the ball, the Kernals smooth and fluid offense from the Gary Munson school of Basketball gave the Lynx fits. Break downs on defense for the Lynx led to easy points and a sizable lead for Mitchell mid-way through the second quarter. The Lynx showed fight, however, by continuing to fight their way back into it. Coming out for the third quarter, the Lynx began to show glimpses of comprehension on offense, getting ball screens that were absent in the first half. As shots started to open up for BV, the lead for the Kernels began to evaporate. The energy level of the Lynx was considerably higher in the second half. The harassing defense by Chase Marso, Tony Tripp, and Adam Bauer made things miserable for the Mitchell guards. It seemed as if the Kernels were about to buckle and succumb to the Lynx pressure. However, as it usually does, it all came down to defense down the stretch and a break down for the Lynx in the fourth quarter allowed Mitchell to regain momentum and put the game away. The Kernels were lead by their really big guy whose name is unknown. What is known, however, is that he controlled the boards and made it difficult for the Lynx penetrating the lane. For the Lynx, Marso tallied 10 points. Tony Tripp showed great hustle and fortitude, collecting 7 steals. Trevor Tobin appeared to find his shooting touch, hitting two 3-pointers. Moving forward, the Lynx will continue to work on their offense and eventually it will come. "Offense will come around. We just have to stick with it and work on it during practice," stated Coach Bisbee. "My concern is defensively. We need to make it more difficult for opposing teams. We need to get tougher and more physical. We showed glimpses tonight, but we need intense defense from start to finish," concluded Coach Bisbee. Moving forward, the Lynx will face the Mitchell Kernels again on January 24th. The Lynx will look to be more physical and more aggressive offensively. The high level of athleticism on the A team needs to begin to show.


B Game: BV 49, Mitchell 38

(Brandon, SD)--The B team Show was unveiled in front of a packed house at BV Middle School Tuesday night. The multitude of fans that braved the blizzard would not be disappointed on this occasion, as the Lynx once again showed brilliance offensively and defensively. The Lynx uncharacteristically started off slow, but once the players settled down and became used to the electric atmosphere inside the gym, they began to play how we are accustomed to seeing them play. Defensive pressure from the Lynx made things extremely difficult for the Kernels. It became extremely apparent that the frustration level of the Kernels was rising because they began to act out towards the officials and their own coach. The display of immaturity did not rattle the Lynx, as they contained their composure and continued to play full-throttle. Offensively, the Lynx began to click on all cylinders, switching back and forth from basket cuts to ball screens. "The Kernels really did not know where we were coming from all night offensively," stated Coach Klumper. "I was actually getting a little dizzy watching us on offense tonight because we were playing at such a high level. I actually needed 3 Tylenol at half-time. We were attacking from all over the place. I just loved it," said Klumper. The hustle of the skilled Phillip Volk once again provided the spark for the Lynx. Added coach Klumper, "Volk tends to set the tone energy wise, but all the guys showed amazing effort. It is just a pleasure to watch." The Lynx took control midway through the second quarter and did not look back. Towards the end of the game, with the Lynx up by twelve, the Kernels showed signs of life and went on a mini-run, cutting the lead to 9. One might expect the Lynx to sit on the ball at this point, trying to run the clock down. That was not the case on this night, however, as the Lynx continued to play at their signature frenetic pace. When asked about the strategy towards the end of the game, Klumper commented, "It's hard for me to reign in this team and slow them down. All they want to do is go, go, go. They have one speed--fast, and that is exactly how I want them to play." Garret Martinmaas was a man among boys for the Lynx, tallying 10 points and 13 rebounds. The Mulder twins, continuing their assault on the 8th grade record for shot attempts, combined for 17 points. Along with Martinmaas, Adam Guthmiller, Zach Flanigan, and Thomas Gardner played splendidly in the post, controlling the boards and making it extremely difficult for the Kernels to drive. On the perimeter, Trey Etreim and Cole Vanderbeek ran by the Kernels on the fast break, making them look like they were standing still. Lastly, Klumper added, "Our team effort was outstanding. These guys are a lot of fun to coach." Klumper would also like to point out that, "We set a record tonight in the b game for number of steals. We finished with 33, which is a record for Brandon Valley 8th Grade B-Teams. We are basically an A- team."

Editor's Note: (Due to poor battery management by the managers, the Camera died during the B-game, resulting in the use of a picture from a different day.)


C Game: BV 34, Mitchell 27

(Brandon, SD)--With a win for both schools, it was upon the shoulders of Coach Reese and the C team to break the tie for the night. The Lynx used a steady offense and rugged defense to control the game for most of the way. Making their 2008-2009 debut, this C team looked rested and hungry for victory. Kain Koepp displayed superb athleticism and agility in pulling down 12 rebound and collecting 8 points. Forrest Hanisch pushed the ball up the court time and time again, forcing the Kernel defense to stop him. Mitchell employed a rather odd strategy on this night, they did not guard Cole Hensley. Whenever Hensley was in the game, there was no Kernel defender around. It proved to be a big coaching blunder on Mitchell's part, as Hensley sliced to the basket over and over and over. Hensley ended up with a game-high 10 points, all of which coming off of drives to the basket. The BV faithful also got their first look at Dylan Kasma, who showed aggressiveness on defense that could not be matched by the Kernels. There was pretty much no way Kasma's guy was going to get the ball. In the paint, Kasma used his super-human strength to box his guy out and rip down the board. On one occasion, Kasma actually squeezed the ball so hard that it popped right during the game. Coach Reese, "The guys played very hard tonight. We can always work on our offense, that will come, what I look for most is effort and rebounding. The boys did well tonight in that respect."