In past years, the Falcons have had a rough time, but this year they were doing well, with their record at about .500.
Paynesville knew that they couldnât look this one over. The boys knew they had to play like a state quality team.
In the first half Paynesville jumped ahead 21-16 in a very fast paced game. Both teams were playing sloppy defense, thus allowing a lot of points.
The second half gave Paynesville a chance to show the Falcons what it is like to play in the West Central North Conference.
Paynesville kept playing hard and their lead over the Falcons kept getting bigger.
Ryan Hemingson played an awesome game with 25 points and 11 rebounds. Brent Heinen also played well just missing a triple double by one rebound and one assist.
J.T. Koehnâs presence was missed in the last three games because of illness, he really makes a difference in the inside for the Bulldogs.
Paynesville came out ahead by a score of 74-58.
ACGC: 16 11 9 22 - 58
Paynesville : 21 16 13 24 - 74
Cathedral
On Friday, Feb. 5, Paynesville traveled to St. Cloud to take on the Crusaders.
The Bulldogs had a tough game ahead of them as the Crusaders had been ranked as high as sixth in the state earlier in the year.
In the first quarter Paynesville was right with the Crusaders trailing only by one point.
In the second quarter the Bulldogs fell behind by a few more, but Paynesville was still in the game. The lead had gone back and forth for a while, and when the dust had settled Paynesville was down by six points.
The third quarter let Paynesville cut Cathedralâs lead to four and it looked like this game was going to go down to the wire.
In the fourth and final quarter though Cathedral put their foot down with their 6â10ä center, who scored eight points in this quarter, to put the game away.
Paynesville played really well even though they did lose the game. There were more positive things than negative things that happened in the game.
Cathedral: 14 20 15 14 - 63
Paynesville : 13 15 17 6 - 51
EV-W
On Tuesday, Feb. 2, the Paynesville Bulldog boyâs basketball team hosted Eden Valley-Watkins in a Highway 55 matchup with the teams in the same sub section.
Paynesville needed to win this game for cedings in the sub section. More than likely Paynesville will get the number one or number two cede.
In the first half Paynesville dominated the Eagles and it looked like it would be a blow out.
In the second half though the Eagles fought back hard and gave the Bulldogs a scare late in the game.
Paynesville didnât let the game slip through their fingers this time and won the game 58-50.
EV-W: 14 8 10 18 - 50
Paynesville: 23 12 14 9 - 58