| 02/20/2013 |
| Lady Bulldogs reach championship game with 50-31 win over FIS |
| By LARRY LEEDS, Sports Editor |
The Madison Lady Bulldogs punched their ticket to the District 5A championship game with a 50-31 win over the Flandreau Indian School on Tuesday night at the Madison Middle School.
"I am so happy for these girls," said Madison Coach Adam Ericsson. "It's great for them and our program to be ranked first in our district and then to protect home court with a first-round victory." Behind the offensive attack of Danielle Roemen and Madison Nipe, the Lady Bulldogs built an early 12-0 lead. Both Roemen and Nipe scored five points in this stretch. Madison held a 19-7 lead after one period. Both teams scored eight points in the second period as the Lady Bulldogs held a 12-point advantage at intermission 27-15. Madison continued to hold a double-digit lead throughout most of the third quarter. The Flandreau Indian School cut the lead to single digits late in the period, getting as close as six points, 31-25, when Stormy Waters hit for two with 1:06 left in the period. A pair of free throws by Nipe and a late field goal by Marinda Kern put the Lady Bulldogs on top 35-25 at the end of the third period. "We had some lulls in our effort level that we cannot have on Thursday night," Ericsson said. It was all Madison in the final eight minutes as the Lady Bulldogs outscored FIS 15-6 to secure the win. Madison made 16 of 61 field goals, 26 percent, and hit 16 of 29 free throws, 55 percent. FIS made 13 of 53 field goals, 24 percent, and cashed in on 2-of-4 free throws, 50 percent. "Our shooting percentage must improve. We left 20 points out on the court in missed layups," Ericsson said. "We have to be strong and finish." The Bulldogs held the edge on the boards 39-28. Roemen ended the game with 16 points while Nipe tossed in 11 counters, pulled down seven rebounds and dished out five assists. "Dani and Madison played great floor games for us," Ericsson said. "They played great defense and handled the ball extremely well. We have to pick up our play on the block and get back to fundamental basketball." Emma Marsh came off the bench and snared a team-high nine rebounds for the Lady Bulldogs. Juda Morris scored 14 points and pulled down 11 rebounds to pace FIS. Shoshone Jorgonsen added 11 points for FIS. Madison (7-14) will tangle with the Flandreau Fliers (7-14) for the District 5A title at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday at Elkton. Madison downed the Fliers earlier this season 43-39. "We have an amazing opportunity to play for the district's title," Ericsson said. "We have to to give it our best effort."
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