(Editor's note: DCC Athletics release)
Dawson Community College's basketball women march into tournament play on heels of five straight wins after sweeping their regular season finale.
Ending the regular conference season on the road with back to back wins in Bottineau, North Dakota, the Lady Buccaneers finish the season 18-4 overall, 17-4 Mon-Dak. Dawson women secure a No. 2 seeding in the post season in the Region XIII semifinal round on April 1 at 5:30 p.m. They will host the winner of No. 3 North Dakota State College of Science or No. 6 Lake Region State College.
A very pleased Dawson coach Romeo Lagmay, Jr. commented, “It was a chaotic season with 3-5 games in one week, covid testing protocols with certain players sitting out, practicing with a few players and coaches at the same time, and rescheduling games. But with all that going on, our players embraced the challenges, waited patiently, and tackled any and all adversity with full confidence. This is what makes our program so strong, being united through thick and thin. Our players and staff worked very hard in the first semester with physical and mental conditioning. The results are outstanding and we are ready for post season action!”
In the first matchup, Dawson controlled the glass by a landslide 42-24. As a result, second chance points were in favor of the red and black 22-2. The Lady Bucs defeated the Lady Lumberjacks 67-42. Dawson collected a total of 14 steals and caused 25 turnovers for Dakota.
Leading for Dawson was Tamiya Francis with 17 points (3-6 3 pt.), along with 4 rebounds and 4 steals. Brynn Jolma pumped in 13 points, with 4 rebounds and 2 steals. Sarah Billmayer added 11 points, 3 rebounds and 3 steals. Ashya Klopfenstein had a game high of 12 rebounds, along with 3 steals.
The last game was all Dawson defeating Dakota College 86-41. The Lady Bucs had a season high of 61 rebounds. Solid shooting percentages are what kept the Lady Bucs afar from the Lady Lumberjacks of having a chance. Dawson shot 43% from the field, 32% from beyond the arc, and 83% from the free throw line.
Ashya Klopfenstein recorded her 14th double double of the season with a game high of 22 points and 11 rebounds, along with 2 steals and 1 block. Tamiya Francis was 50% from the 3 point line again (3-6), scoring 11 points, with 5 rebounds and a game high 5 steals. Sarah Billmayer chipped in with 10 points and 3 rebounds.
Dawson's men capped a historic regular season by beating Dakota College at Bottineau 90-74. It was their 10th straight win and brought their record to 20-2 overall. They finished three games ahead of second place. Over the last two years, the Bucs are 38-2 vs. Mon-Dak Conference teams. Dawson is the first team in the country to reach 20 wins in this abbreviated season.
Bucs Coach Joe Peterson shared his excitement, "Before the season began, I never in my wildest dreams thought that we would have a chance to win 20 games in a 22 game regular season, especially having to play everyone in our league three times each. These guys have showed a lot of toughness and drive to give their best effort every night. We've battled COVID, injuries and other obstacles to get to this point. They have great work ethic, character and chemistry that has helped them finish out a great regular season. Now we need to get prepared for a post-season run!"
Friday's game was a rematch from the previous night. DCC started relatively quick, but again, so did Dakota College at Bottineau. The Buccaneers ended the first half strong, taking a 45-33 lead into the locker room. They shot 51% from the field while holding the home team to 36%.
Early in the second half, Dawson increased the lead to 20, but they couldn't quite shake the pesky Lumberjacks who kept battling back.
Dawson was led by Kennedy Brown’s (6’8 FR Forward) game high of 29 points (13-17 FG) and 13 rebounds. Michael Jok also had a double double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Ultimately, Dawson dominated the game on the boards by out-rebounding the Lumberjacks 48-32, and with their efficient shooting of 49%.
Dakota College at Bottineau was led by Marcus Krenn’s (6’5 FR Forward) 27 points (12-20 FG) and 8 rebounds. Trayvon Barney (5’10 SO Guard) added 17 points and 11 assists, while Kionne Layne (6’4 Guard) added 13 points (3-6 3pt). The Lumberjacks were crippled by their lack of depth and allowing Dawson to score in transition.
The Bucs started the season with 9 straight wins before losing two of three games in the middle. Since then, they haven't lost again.
Dawson will be back in action next Thursday as they host the semifinal of the Region XIII Tournament. They earned a first round bye and will face the winner of the Williston State College and Miles Community College quarterfinal.
