(Editor's note: DCC Athletics release)
GLENDIVE - Dawson Community College picked up another pair of basketball wins over the weekend.
The Buccaneer men won their eighth straight men's game and 25th straight home conference contest dating back to January 2019. They wrapped up their home regular season schedule with a perfect 11-0. Dawson has 18 wins on the season, tops in the nation.
The 84-79 win over the Williston State College Tetons wasn't very close until the final minutes when Williston made a furious comeback that wasn't enough in the end. Dawson Community College had a great first half on both sides of the ball shooting 47% from the field while holding Williston State to 35% shooting, forcing 11 turnovers and dominating on the boards. They took a 42-25 lead into half-time and increased the margin to 24 points with 9 minutes remaining in the game before Williston made their run.
Head Coach Joe Peterson shared, "I thought we played a great first 30 minutes and really dominated the game in every facet, but then we let up. They started to hurt us on the boards and we didn't protect the paint like we needed to. It was really good for us though to play in a tight game where we had to execute on both ends to come out with the victory. It had a tournament kind of feel to it tonight. These teams have a lot to play for and aren't going to go away easily."
The Buccaneers were led by Charles Lampten's (6'11 SO Forward) 18 points (8-12 FG), 13 rebounds (8 offensive), and 5 blocks. Riley Spoonhunter (6'3 FR Guard) poured in 15 points (3-5 3pt) and came up with 4 steals. Michael Jok (6'3 RFr Guard) scored 13 points and grabbed 8 rebounds to go along with 5 assists and 3 steals. Overall, the Buccaneers shot 52% for the game, but their turnovers allowed Williston State to keep the game within reach in the final minutes.
Williston State's Caleb Johnson (6'5 FR Guard) led the Tetons with 27 points (10-15 FG) and 9 rebounds (6 Offensive). Beni Fungula (6'5 RSo Guard) added 20 points on 8-12 field goals, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. In the last 10 minutes Williston State forced numerous turnovers and attacked the basket shooting 54% from the field in the 2nd half, which depleted the Buccaneer lead to single digits.
Dawson will finish conference play next Thursday and Friday against Dakota College at Bottineau, while Williston State will play Bismarck State on Monday.
DCC women's head coach Romeo Lagmay, Jr. started all his sophomores against Williston State. Those veterans led the charge, defeating the Lady Tetons 109-64. The shooting percentages were off the charts this afternoon with the Lady Buccaneers shooting 66% from the field and 50% from the 3-point range.
All five sophomores scored and 4 of them reached double figures. Tamiya Francis led the team with 21 points, along with a game high 9 assists, shooting 50% from the beyond the arc (3-6). Ashya Klopfenstein had her 13th double-double of the season with 18 points and 10 rebounds, along with 3 steals and 4 assists. Haley Olson scored 12 points. Kiana Miller pumped in 10 points and had 3 steals. Megan Lindbo chipped in with 9 points and 4 rebounds.
Coach Lagmay said, “I am so thrilled for our sophomores. They did an excellent job tonight playing together. They dedicated their work ethic in learning our system, and it shows very well. They are a joy to mentor, teach and coach. I’m sure they make their parents proud every day. Buc Nation thanks them forever!”
Dawson outrebounded Williston 33-24. The Lady Bucs dominated the paint, outscoring Williston 60-20. They also caused 29 turnovers, converting them into 36 points. Dawson was just too strong altogether with their bench outscoring the Lady Tetons 39-10.
Keeley Tini scored a game high 31 points for Williston.
Dawson will have a day off before resuming practice prior to back to back games on the road at Dakota College Bottineau to conclude the regular season on Thursday and Friday. The Lady Bucs will return home for the post-season when they host the Region XIII Semifinal Game on April 1.
