In a thrilling contest on March 2, 2024, the New England Tigers defeated the Richardton-Taylor Raiders 64-58, securing their first district win of the season. The victory was a significant achievement for the Tigers, who have faced challenges in recent games, particularly with injuries affecting key players.
Senior guard Gage Madler played a pivotal role in the match, scoring 22 points, with much of his scoring coming in the second half. Madler, who has battled through a lingering shoulder injury sustained during the Roughrider Tournament, demonstrated exceptional determination and leadership on the court.
Scott Jung, head coach of the Tigers, commended Madler’s resilience, stating, “He’s got a pretty serious injury and he’s elected to gut it through and be there for his team.” Jung highlighted the player’s commitment, noting, “I can’t give that kid enough credit for being out here and gutting it out every night.”
The Tigers entered halftime with a comfortable lead, having pushed it to as much as 14 points during the third quarter. However, the Raiders mounted a significant comeback in the final quarter, narrowing the gap to just one point at 56-55 with under two minutes left. In a critical moment, Madler secured a layup to extend the lead, followed by an assist to teammate Jordan Jung, who increased the score to 60-55.
Madler reflected on the team’s performance, saying, “It took us a bit to get locked in. Once we finally did, everything started to work out.” The Tigers’ offense, which had been inconsistent in previous games, found its rhythm, contributing to their highest score of the season.
The Raiders started strong, with guard Kyler Krank scoring 12 points in the first quarter, helping Richardton-Taylor initially establish a lead. Despite the absence of leading scorer Chase Christensen, Krank’s performance kept the Raiders competitive throughout the game, ultimately leading the team with 23 points.
Head coach Kari Dohrmann praised his team’s effort, saying, “Our intensity and our fight were always there, and that is one thing I never have to ask from the boys.” He acknowledged the need to address inconsistencies but considered the game a step forward for Richardton-Taylor.
Looking ahead, the New England Tigers will face Belfield and South Heart as they continue their campaign in District 7. Meanwhile, Richardton-Taylor is set to compete against Hettinger-Scranton and Bowman County. Madler emphasized the importance of the victory, stating, “We still have a ton of work to do… but I think tonight is our turnaround point.”
The match showcased the competitive spirit and resilience of both teams, making it a memorable evening for basketball in North Dakota.
