Midgets triumph in heated rivalry game
Jan. 26—DICKINSON — In a heated exchange on Tuesday night at the Dickinson gymnasium, the Dickinson Midgets and Williston Coyotes intensified their rivalry, with both teams receiving technical fouls. The match's intensity led to players fouling out and both teams earning double bonuses. Dominating the game, the Midgets secured a commanding 25-point lead over the Coyotes, ending the night with an 85-60 victory.
This triumph marked a significant turnaround for the Midgets, who vividly remembered their season-ending defeat by the Coyotes last year. Their recent win now stands as a moment of redemption.
"You know [Williston] didn't allow us to go to the [WDA] tournament last year and we were talking about that in the locker room before the game," sophomore point leader Boston Cranston said. "We had to make sure we got the win."
The Midgets controlled the tempo in the first half, maintaining a relatively close score. Their intensive pressure caused turnovers and easy layups, and their effective passing opened looks while keeping defenders off balance.
At halftime, the teams entered the locker rooms with the Midgets leading 39-25.
Sharing the workload, both Cranston and senior co-captain Damon Glasser scored in double figures for the Midgets. Cranston excited the home crowd with four 3-pointers, while Glasser dominated in the low post. Cranston finished with 27 points, including 8 for 5 from the stripe, and Glasser contributed 17 points and was a leading rebounder.
In the game's final stages, the Midgets repeatedly scored from the free-throw line, prolonging an almost certain victory. They shot 9 free-throws in the second half, with senior co-captain Dante Oyugi going 4 for 4.
The Midgets' deep sophomore roster allowed them to maintain stamina, even under near-constant full-court press. Senior Owen Bittner exemplified their defensive prowess, deflecting four passes and stealing possession six times.
"We played together as a team, got great looks and we know that we can play well together when we move the ball and we really have been doing that well these last couple of games," Boston Cranston said. "We were really talking in practice about how we need to pressure them in our press. Make them make bad turnovers and that really helps get points on the board."
With this victory, the Midgets improve their conference record to 4-4 and their overall record to 8-5. They currently stand in the middle of the Western Dakota Association standings, tied with Bismarck Legacy.
The Midgets will defend their home court this Saturday, playing a postponed match against St. Mary's at 2:30 p.m., following the girls varsity match at 12:45 p.m.
