The Rolla DAWGS, back together for the first time in over a year, picked up where they left off and then some. Without even a practice, the team was able to march their way through the Junior High division of the Just Play Hard Shootout that was held at Lake of the Ozarks. With only 7 players, the heat and humidity proved to be little more than a slight discomfort to the DAWGS as they used their intense defense and uptempo style to cruise to victories over Eugene, Camdenton, South Calloway and Hallsville.
The DAWGS faced stiffer competition when, as they have done much over their history, played against older teams. They jumped out to a 10-0 run on the School of the Osage JV team that ovelooked the smaller, younger squad. Just like their DAWG mascot, the diminutive size should not be overlooked! They controlled the game from the start and once again the pressure on the guards enabled them to force turnovers and keep the other team on edge.
Next, the DAWGS were able to put away a very competitive Versailles freshman team that had the quickness at the guard spot and the size to challenge the younger DAWGS team. Again, the defensive intensity was too much as wave after wave of DAWGS defenders would double team and jump the routes never allowing their offense to set up. The DAWGS lead grew to 20 points but had to dig deep to fend off a late comeback and secure a 9 point victory.This was probably the last time that these kids will play together as a DAWGS team as they begin to move into school ball and play with their own age groups during the off-season. It was a great ride with this team of respectful young men who showed the desire to improve and worked hard to turn those desires into reality.
DAWGS players include:
Ben Mills - 7th
Kobe Wands - 7th
Zach Brown - 7th
Jordan Kaden - 8th
Landon Maynard - 8th
Carter Wands - 8th
Travis Sederburg - 8th
Caleb Copeland - 8th