Both Trojans Teams Start 2023 With Home Wins

The Dakota State basketball teams returned to action for the first time in the new year last night, and both mens and womens teams got victories to lead off the weekend.

In the first game of the evening, the Lady Trojans got out to a big early lead over Valley City State thanks to a fast start. The Trojans only allowed one point in the first quarter before going into halftime up 43-7. 

DSU continued to pile it on in the second half with strong defense and smart shot selections, as they went on to defeat the Vikings by a final score of 86-43.

Four players eclipsed double-digit points for the Trojans, with Sidney Fick coming off the bench to get a game leading 13 points. She also grabbed six rebounds and two steals. Angela Slattery scored 12 points while also grabbing six rebounds and two steals along with three blocks.

Savannah Walsdorf knocked down 11 points with five rebounds, and Olivia Ritter scored 10 points for the Trojans along with getting two rebounds. Elsie Aslesen led the game in rebounding, grabbing ten boards to go with her seven points. 

The men’s team was able to get a victory over VCSU as well, but theirs would be much more difficult to get. 

The Trojans got out to an early lead in the first half, leading by as much as ten points. However, the Vikings began to come back and would eventually take a 33-30 lead into the half. In the second half, the Trojans once again came out hot before eventually cooling off. 

DSU regained the lead early in the second half, but another strong comeback from the Vikings sent the game down to the final few minutes. 

In the final five minutes, both teams exchanged multiple leads with neither team able to get comfortably ahead. However, in the final minute the Trojans were able to get some clutch shots, and after preventing a tying score at 73-70, Dashawn Kelly took the ball down the court for the game-sealing dunk, to help the Trojans win 75-70.

Kelly led the game in points en route to a double-double, scoring 22 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Sam Muller had 20 points for DSU along with seven rebounds. Ben Hoverson and Gavyn Strand (starting in his first career game) each recorded 12 points for the Trojans, while Hoverson also had seven rebounds to Strand’s four. Strand also led the game in assists with eight. 

The Lady Trojans improved their winning record to 11-5, while the men’s team gets closer to an even record at 7-9.

Both teams will be back home today for another double-header against Dickinson State. The women’s game will tip-off at 3pm this afternoon with the mens to follow. Both games can be heard on FM 103.1 or online at AmazingMadison.com.