Teamwork, chemistry are Bulldogs’ strengths
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The back of every Mission Bulldog’s warm-up jersey reads “expect to win,” and despite their Friday, Jan. 22, home loss against Ronan, it was apparent to all fans in the gym that each member of the team played with that intensity all four quarters.
In fact, they out scored Ronan by six points in the fourth quarter, narrowing the margin in their 59-69 loss.
Mission senior Tate Weingart, who had eight points o the night, is not looking at the Bulldogs’ 0-10 record for the season. He is looking forward to bettering the team each time they step on the floor, whether at practice or a game.
“Our strength is that we work together, we work as a team,” Weingart said. “If we keep that up, we will get better as the season goes on.”
Weingart is one of seven seniors on the Bulldog roster. He contributes their chemistry on the court to their friendship that has grown through the years.
“Having so many seniors is good. We all grew up together,” Weingart said. “We kind of know what each other is going to do when we play basketball.”
Mission Bulldogs’ Head Coach James Lozeau feels the same way about this senior class.
“We are senior-driven with six seniors playing up,” Lozeau said. “The seniors are a strength to this team.”
The senior class, along with Weingart, includes Nick Durglo, Andrew Esslinger, Billy Von Holtum, Emilio Bravo, Tristen Elverud and Tyler Spidel.
With eight games left in their final season, Lozeau and Weingart are looking to polishing up on some of the squad’s skills in the next half of their season.
“Attacking the basket is one thing we need to work on,” Lozeau said. “We also need to limit second chances and get the first rebound.”
Weingart said they are also working on each player touching the ball before anyone shoots.
The first half of their season is behind them and the Bulldogs have set goals for the second half of the 2015-16 season.
“We are looking forward to getting some wins,” Weingart said.
Coach Lozeau is eyeing postseason play.
“Our goal is to get out of districts,” Lozeau said. “That is every team’s goal.”
Leading the Bulldogs against Ronan was Durglo, who shot seven of his eight shots inside the three-point line, scoring 19 points on the night. Other key players were Von Holtum with 16 points and junior Isaac Alexander with 7 points.
Looking for their wins, the Bulldogs are on the road their next two games as they travel to Florence on Thursday, Jan. 28 and Eureka on Saturday, Jan. 30.
Results
Jan. 22
Ronan 69, Mission 59
Ronan18161916-69
Mission12101522-59
Ronan – Points: Zeke Misa 13, Aaron Misa 13, Kasey Mock 12, Perry Panzetanga 9, Elijah Cahoon 7, Ty James 7, Jackson Duffey 6, Isaiah Arrow Top Knot 2. 3-pointers: Duffey 2, Panzetanga 1. Assists: Z. Misa 7, Mock 4, Panzetanga 3, James 2, Duffey 1, Camel 1, Cahoon 1, A. Misa 1.
Mission – Points: Nick Durglo 19, Billy Von Holtum 16, Tate Weingart 8, Isaac Alexander 7, Tyler Spidel 5, Emilio Bravo 2, Kaleb Durglo 2. 3-pointers: N. Durglo 1, Weingart 1. Assists: Alexander 3, N. Durglo 2, Andrew Esslinger 1, Spidel 1.
