Gator Season Comes To An End

By: Kent Christian
    
The BGMR Gator Boys Basketball Season came to a screeching halt as the Rebels from Red Lake County rode their hot shooting to take home a 70-62 first round playoff win over the Gators.
   
  Both teams traded baskets early in the game but RLC caught fire from behind the 3 point line and began torching the Gators.  The Rebels were an incredible 10 for 17 from behind the arc in the first half and open up a 47-38 halftime lead.
   
  Being down only 9 at halftime with the Rebels shooting the way they were the Gators felt comfortable that they would be able to mount a comeback.  This however would look impossible as the Rebels continued to play well and opened up an 18 point second half lead.  At a time when many teams would pack their bags and go home the Gators showed determination, and heart as they cranked up the defense and fought back cutting the Rebel lead to 9.  At this point the Gators had several defensive stops but could not convert on the offense end.  BGMR did however continue to battle and cut the Rebel lead to 3 with just over 90 seconds to play.  RLC responded by hitting some key free throws down the stretch and the Gators were unable to finish off the historic comeback.
    
 Offensively the Gators were paced by Tanner Creviston who dumped in a career high 23.  Nick Dostal netted 17 and Jacob Anderson poured in 13 with all of them coming in the first half.  Alex Rhen, and Aaron Dostal had 7 rebounds to pace the Gators and Nathan Hietala had 6 boards.
    
 Red Lake County had a balanced attack led by Ben Hagl who scored 22.  Tyler Hurst chipped in 14, Logan O’Neill and Matt Schindler each scored 11.
    
With the loss the Gators finished their season at 11-16.  Although it wasn’t the type of season the Gators had anticipated record wise the boys can hold their heads high in the way they competed during the tournament.  Unfortunately BGMR will be losing a good group of seniors in Nick Dostal, Trey Langaas, Ryan Modahl, Jacob Anderson and Nathan Hietala.  Each will be sorely missed as they have been outstanding role models for the program.
    
The start of next season is only 8 month away and the younger Gators will hopefully be putting in lots of time so the Gators can rise to the top again.
    
The boys basketball program would like to take this time to thank GATOR NATION for their outstanding support this season.   The playoff game atmosphere at The Swamp was incredible and one in which the communities should be proud of.  A special thank you to the basketball parents for their support this past season.  Everything you do does not go unnoticed and makes for a great program.