Bulldog boys wrap up season

The Sundance boys’ basketball team travelled to Gillette to face three tough teams in hopes of a state tournament bid.

Game one left the Bulldogs with the bitter taste of defeat. Facing off against the #2 team from the Southeast, the Glenrock Herders, the Bulldogs came ready to play.

In an intense first half, the Bulldogs found themselves down by two at the break, 26-24. The third quarter found the Bulldogs in a shooting slump, scoring only 8 points, while the Herders were able to put up 19. Down by 6 going into the final eight minutes of play, the Bulldogs were unable to attain the lead and fell to the Herders 48-66.

Looking to bounce back from their loss against Glenrock, the Bulldogs came out with a vengeance against the Lusk Tigers. Pulling down 45 rebounds as a team, the Bulldogs were in control of the game from the start.

With a seven-point lead at halftime, the Bulldogs continued to widen the gap as the game went on. Behind the scoring duo of Lane Gill and Gunner McLaughlin, the Bulldogs were able to walk away with the 50-44 victory and one more chance to make it to state.

Needing a win to secure their first state tournament berth since 2012, the Sundance Bulldogs were pitted against the ever-tough Wright Panthers. With a slow start to the game, the Bulldogs found themselves down by 23 going into the much-needed break.

Mounting a slight comeback throughout the second half, it wasn’t enough as the Wright Panthers continued to control the tempo and the score, taking the 59-41 victory and ending the Bulldog’s season.

While the season didn’t end the way we would have liked, we have a bright future,” Sundance coach Olson stated. “I’m excited to get in the gym this summer and improve as individuals and as a team.”

The Bulldogs ended their season with a 13-11 overall record.

Stats from the games:

Sundance vs. Glenrock

Scoring: Gill 15 (2/2FT), Martin 10 (0/1 FT), McLaughlin 9 (5/7 FT), Hofland 7 (1/2 FT), Taylor 7, Gillespie 4 (0/1FT)

Rebound leaders: Gillespie 4, Martin 4, Chandler 4

Sundance vs. Lusk

Scoring: Gill 11 (4/8 FT), McLaughlin 10 (0/2FT), Chandler 7 (3/8FT), Taylor 6(4/8FT), Martin 6 (3/4FT), Gillespie 6 (2/6FT), Hofland 3 (3/7FT), J. Rudloff 1 (1/2FT)

Rebound leaders: Hofland 9, McLaughlin 8, Chandler 7, Gill 6, Gillespie 6, Taylor 5

Steal leaders: Taylor 5, Hofland 5

Sundance vs. Wright

Scoring: Martin 9 (3/4FT), Taylor 9 (5/5 FT), Hofland 7 (3/4FT), Gill 6 (0/1FT), J. Rudloff 4, McLaughlin (4/4FT), Gillespie 2

Rebound leaders: Hofland 5