New England secured its first victory of the district season with a hard-fought 64-58 win against Richardton-Taylor on March 30, 2024. The match, held in Richardton, North Dakota, showcased the resilience of the Tigers, particularly through the efforts of senior guard Gage Madler, who played despite a lingering shoulder injury.
Madler, who missed almost the entire previous season due to injuries, emerged as a key player for New England, scoring 22 points, with a significant contribution in the second half. His performance was vital in maintaining the Tigers’ lead, which grew to as much as 14 points during the third quarter.
Despite an early setback, where Richardton-Taylor took a quick 16-5 lead, New England remained composed. Madler noted, “It took us a bit to get locked in. Once we finally did, everything started to work out. My team was doing a really good job at working the ball inside.”
Key Performances and Turning Points
The Tigers went into halftime with a double-digit advantage, but Richardton-Taylor mounted a determined comeback in the fourth quarter. With just under two minutes remaining, the Raiders narrowed the gap to 56-55. In a crucial moment, Madler secured a layup to extend New England’s lead, followed by a well-executed play where he assisted teammate Jordan Jung, who scored to push the advantage to 60-55.
Head coach Scott Jung praised Madler’s determination, stating, “I’ll tell you what, that kid has the heart of a champion. He’s got a pretty serious injury and he’s elected to gut it through and be there for his team.” This sentiment reflects the collective spirit of the Tigers, who have faced challenges throughout the season.
Richardton-Taylor fought back valiantly, led by Kyler Krank, who scored 23 points in the match. The Raiders were missing one of their top scorers, Chase Christensen, which made their effort even more commendable. Coach Kari Dohrmann acknowledged the team’s intensity, saying, “Our intensity and our fight were always there… it was one of our better games.”
Looking Ahead
With the victory, New England aims to build momentum as they head into the heart of District 7 play. They have upcoming matchups against Belfield and South Heart next week. Madler expressed optimism for the future, stating, “We still have a ton of work to do. Tonight was definitely a good one for us… I think tonight is our turnaround point.”
Both teams look to continue improving as they navigate the challenges ahead in their respective schedules.
