TWO-FOR-TWO — The JWP boys’ basketball team won twice on the road last week. Above: the Bulldogs’ Ryan Kronbach (14) drives to the basket. Pioneer photos by Leanne Kavitz
Road warriors
Bulldog boys 2-0 in away games; long-awaited home opener Dec. 16
Bulldog boys 2-0 in away games; long-awaited home opener Dec. 16
Sat, 12/31/2022 - 6:26pm
The JWP boys’ basketball team is starting the 2022-23 season with three road games. The Bulldogs were able to go undefeated in two of them this week, defeating Nicollet 77-43 and getting a massive come-from-behind victory against Gopher Conference rival Bethlehem Academy 64-63.
Nicollet was already on a three-game losing streak to start the season. But when JWP visited them Thursday, Dec. 8, it was an even tougher night. The Raiders allowed the Bulldogs to score the most points they’ve allowed an opposing team. Junior Memphis James was one of the leaders with 23 points.
It was a good start for the Bulldogs, but they found games will rarely come that easy when they faced Bethlehem Academy Friday. JWP fell behind by nearly double digits by the end of the first half. It took change-of-game planning and aggressive offense to get back into it.
James again put the team on his back, scoring 26. His performance along with the help of his teammates helped the Bulldogs snatch victory from the jaws of defeat and escape Faribault with a 64-63 win.
The Bulldogs traveled to Lester Prairie Tuesday. They finally host their first home game Friday, Dec. 16, when defending Class A state champion Hayfield comes to town.
