Bulldogs host Stateline Shootout

It was another tournament weekend for the Sundance Girls' basketball team as they hosted the Stateline Shootout with Newcastle, Belle Fourche and Lead-Deadwood. 

In Thursday afternoon's opener, the Lady Bulldogs faced the Newcastle Dogies in an exhilarating matchup. Newcastle jumped out to the early lead, ending the first quarter 18-11.

However, the Lady Bulldogs clawed their way back into the game, entering halftime down by just four points, 26-22. The second half showcased a sensational performance by Jaylin Mills, who scored an impressive 24 of her season-high 36 points in the final two quarters.

With six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs tied the game at 43, before going on a 10-0 run to end the second half and secure a hard-fought 55-48 victory.

"It felt like everyone was hustling and making plays tonight. Coach kept us focused and we were able to execute when we needed to. Newcastle shot well and kept the pressure on us the entire game. I am just glad we were able to come out with a win," Bulldog Jaylin Mills commented.

Friday's matchup brought another challenge as the Lady Bulldogs squared off against the Belle Fourche Broncs. Struggling to find their rhythm, Sundance managed only 12 first-half points against the Bronc's stifling defense, trailing 21-12 at the break.

Despite a spirited effort in the second half, the Bulldogs were unable to overcome the deficit, falling 44-29 to the Broncs. 

To close out the Shootout, the Lady Bulldogs faced the Lead-Deadwood Diggers. It was another dominating performance by the Bulldogs as they jumped out to a quick 30-11 lead in the first half.

Their defense held strong throughout the game, allowing the Diggers few opportunities to close the gap, sending the Bulldogs to a 53-22 victory. Jaylin Mills and Halyn Cooney led the Bulldog's offensive charge, putting in 16 and 10 points respectively. 

The Lady Bulldogs enter the holiday break with a 4-3 record and will face the Hulett Lady Red Devils when they return, on January 7. 

Bulldog Boys

The Sundance boys' basketball team added four wins to their record as they hosted the Harding County Ranchers and the Stateline Shootout.

Facing the Newcastle Dogies on Thursday night, the Bulldogs wasted no time asserting their presence. A strong performance early on the boards helped them jump to the early 20-6 lead. Maintaining their momentum, the Bulldogs extended their lead throughout the game, securing a decisive 67-47 victory. 

Friday night's matchup against the Belle Fourche Broncs proved to be a bit more competitive for the Bulldogs. Both teams battled point-for-point in a tightly contested first half, leaving the score 29-24 at the half.

The second half was equally intense, with the defensive efforts keeping the score close. In the closing minutes, the Broncs suffered a major setback as three players fouled out. Taking advantage, the Bulldogs capitalized on key scoring opportunities to clinch a hard-fought 57-43 win. 

The final game of the Shootout saw the Bulldogs face the Lead-Deadwood Diggers in a thrilling showdown. The Diggers came out strong, using their speed to race to a 20-8 lead by the end of the first quarter.

However, the Bulldogs were able to regroup and settle into their offense as the game progressed. With just under five minutes left in the fourth quarter, the teams were tied at 42.

It once again came down to fouls and free throws for the Bulldogs. Kade Mills, Jake Schommer and Owen Watt stepped to the line in the final moments of the game, sinking their free throws and securing a 59-51 victory for the Bulldogs. 

The Bulldog team will take a break for the holiday season and be back on the hardwood in the new year as they face the Hulett Devils on January 7. 

Stats

SHS Girls 55, Newcastle 48:

Scoring: Mills 36 (8/13 FT, 0/2 3pt), Karol 6 (2/4 FT), A. Marchant 5 (1/2 FT), Neiman 3 (1/4 FT), K. Marchant 2 (2/4 FT), Conney 2 (0/1 3pt)

Rebound Leaders: Mills 6, Karol 6, Neiman 3, Gill 3

Blocks: Cooney 1

Steals: Mills 3, Gill 2, K. Marchant 1, A. Marchant 1

SHS Girls 29, Belle Fourche 44:

Scoring: Mills 18 (5/10 FT, 3/7 3pt), Karol 7 (1/3 FT), Cooney 2 (0/2FT), Neiman 1 (1/2 FT)

Rebound Leaders: Mills 9, Cooney 6, Karol 5

Steals: Neiman 1, Mills 1, Karol 1

Blocks Gill 1

SHS Girls 53, Lead-Deadwood 22:

Scoring: Mills: 16 (3/4 FT, 1/3 3pt), Cooney 10 (0/1 3pt), Karol 6 (2/2 FT), Crago 5 (1/2 FT, 0/1 3pt), Neiman 5 (1/2 FT), A. Marchant 4 (1/4 FT, 1/1 3pt), Gill 3 (1/1 3pt), Dailey 2, K. Marchant 2

Rebound Leaders: Karol 8, Mills 8

Steal Leaders: Gill 3, Harmon 3

Assists: K. Marchant 2, Mills 2, Olson 1, Cooney 1, Karol 1

Blocks: Dailey 1

SHS Boys 59, Harding County 45

SHS Boys 67, Newcastle 47

SHS Boys 57, Belle Fourche 43

SHS Boys 59, Lead Deadwood 51

(Boys stats not available.)