CHARGERS NIP GATORS IN NAIL BITTER
 By Coach Christian

     Whenever the Grygla-Goodridge Chargers and BGMR Gators get together in boys basketball action it is typically a defensive struggle with the winning team being the one that makes the most out of their offensive possessions.  Friday nights game at The Swamp was no exception as the Chargers slipped by the Gators 46-45.
     Offensive points were at a premium in the first half.  Neither team could find a rhythm offensively and both teams played outstanding defense as the Chargers went into halftime with a 18-15 lead.  Both teams loosened up in the second half with the Chargers opening up a 7 point lead with just over 5 minutes to go.  BGMR battled back and took a 1 point lead with just over 40 seconds to play.  On the next possession Alex Rhen picked up a steal for the Gators and appeared to be going in for a lay-up but slipped.  The Chargers regained possession and scored to take a 1 point lead.  The Gators took a shot with just over seven seconds to play and missed.  The Chargers gathered the rebound and BGMR fouled them immediately.  Preston Swenson missed the front end of a 1 on 1 free throw and the Gators pushed the tempo.  Unfortunately, the Gators turned the ball over and the Chargers hung on for the win.
     Offensively the Gators were led by Nick Dostal who had 16 points.  Tanner Creviston chipped in 10.  Nathan Hietala was the leading Gator rebounder with 8.
     The Chargers got a double/double from Swenson who had 13 points and 11 rebounds.  Tra Aldrete dumped in 12 points.
     The Gators will need to recover from the tough loss in a hurry as they will be involved in the NCTC Super Saturday.  BGMR is going to face Red Lake.  The Warriors are a high octane team that uses trapping defenses and outside shooting to average over 75 points a game.  It should be a high paced game and one in which the Gators need to play well in order to come out with a win.