GATOR BOYS START NEW SEASON WITH A WIN
Playoff time means a new season for every high school team in Minnesota. The Gators took advantage of their new season as they protected home court and beat the Warroad Warriors 58-48. The victory was the third time the Gators have beaten the scrappy Warrior team and this win couldn’t have come at a better time in the win or pack your bags for the season game.
The Gators played solid defense in the first half and were consistent on offense as the Gators went into halftime with a 26-21 lead. Being able to hold the Warriors to 21 points in the first half playing man to man defense meant the Gators were able to use a variety of switching defenses in the second half and hold the Warriors to 48 points for the game.
Offensively the Gators were led by Wyatt Peppel who had 14 points and 5 rebounds. Aaron Dostal had a solid 13 points but was a man amongst boys as he pulled down 16 rebounds. Darius Watson also hit double figures scoring for the Gators as he dumped in 12. Matt Howell scored 6 points and had a career high 7 rebounds and Logan Dvergsten just missed a double double with 8 points and 8 rebounds. Not to be left out Breyden Larson played a strong floor game as he had 5 points and 7 rebounds.
The young and pesky Warrior team was led by Lucky Sengsouvanna who dumped in 15. Kobe Ratsavongsy-Sivixay had 10 points to complete the double digit scoring for the Warriors.
With the win the Gators earned the right to continue playing and will now travel on Thursday to Crosby-Ironton for a 7:00 game against the Rangers. The Rangers are currently ranked number 3 in the state in Minnesota Class 2A basketball. Hall of Fame Coach Dave Galovich again has the Rangers poised to make a playoff run. The Gators however have other ideas for the Rangers and Thursday will be a good test for the Gators. Crosby might be a five hour drive but one in which hopefully Gator Nation can call in sick from work, car pool and be a force for the Gators. All fans will be needed as Crosby is a tough team and a tough place to play. The Gators realize however that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.