Boyceville Bulldogs lose close games to Bruce and Colfax, still seek first win
by Laura Giammattei
BOYCEVILLE — It has been a slow start to the season for the Boyceville Bulldogs as they fell short of two wins this week against both the Bruce Red Raiders and the Colfax Vikings.
First, the boys traveled to Bruce on Tuesday, December 15 where they took on the Red Raiders in a very close matchup ending in a 39-43 loss to the hosts.
Despite having a strong second half turnaround, it was not enough for the Bulldogs to make up for the points given up to Bruce in the first half.
Senior Sam Hellmann and Junior Luke Knudtson both had great defensive games, racking up 21 rebounds between the two players. Senior Hunter Anderson also performed well with an impressive five steals and one block.
Knudston led the Bulldog charge on offense as well, sinking a field goal and a three-pointer in the first half and another two field goals in the second half. Junior Micadin Kahl also followed closely behind with two three-pointers in the first half and a field goal in the second. Unfortunately, their combined efforts fell just two field goals shy of a win.
Later in the week on Friday, December 18, the Bulldogs’ first win eluded them again in another close game ending in a 52-69 loss at home to the Colfax Vikings.
Though the Bulldogs improved on offense from the prior game against the Red Raiders, Boyceville was unable to stop the Vikings from outscoring them in both the first and second halves.
Vikings’ senior Kedar Davis dominated on offense: sinking four shots from the arc, one field goal, and connecting on 8 of 11 free throws for a total of 22 points. Senior Andrew Harmon also contributed three three-pointers and three field goals lifting his total to 16 points.
Bulldog senior Sam Hellman held the spot as the top scorer for his team with 10 points, all of which came from the field. Knudtson and Kahl also fared well offensively, contributing 17 points between the two. Yet the Bulldogs’ contributions were not enough to overcome the deficit.
Though the Bulldogs kept up in scoring step with the Vikings in the second half, Colfax had pulled too far ahead in the first, which granted them their second win this season.
Boyceville coach Ben Leur commented on the game: “We had a slow start but I thought our guys fought back hard in the second half. Colfax shot and drove the ball well, which is tough to put a stop to. I think we will play much better against them when we play them again later this season.”
Next up, the Bulldogs will play back to back games in a holiday tournament at Clayton High School on Monday, December 28 at 7 p.m. and Tuesday, December 29 at 1 p.m.