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Mineral Point had to survive a roller coaster ride to take down neighboring Dodgeville 65-53 in a non-conference opener for both teams.
It was the first action for either team and it had its typical first game moments. It featured a quick start for the Pointers and a steady climb back for the Dodgers. In the end it was just too big a hill for the Dodgers to scale.
Dodgeville coach Matt McGraw cleared his bench with a minute to play. The Pointers ran some clock until Austin Montague fouled Pointer Joah Filardo who could not connect on either free throw. A couple missed shots by the Dodgers later and the final buzzer sounded.
The Dodgers worked their way back to within striking distance and pulled within 12 on a three pointer by 6-4 sophomore Dillon Garthwaite midway through the final frame. But the Pointers answered and even though they were in foul trouble they turned up the defensive intensity. The 12 point margin continued until the final horn.
Isaac Lindsey had a steady first game to start his senior season with 25 points to lead all scorers. Joah Filardo and Liam Stumpf complimented Lindsey's output with 13 and 11 points. Blaise Watters also netted nine for the Pointers.
Garthwaite led the Dodgers with 12 points and Will-Borne Mumm added 10. Nine Dodgers got into the scoring column with six getting points for the Pointers.
"It was good to be able to play in that gym one last time," said Mineral Point coach Dan Burreson who played there when he went to Dodgeville high school. The new Dodgeville gym is currently under construction and is expected to be ready for next season.
"I thought our guys brought good energy from the start and we were able to break out to an early lead," Burreson said. " A lot of guys were able to contribute in the win. I think a strength of this team will be our depth."
Burreson was pleased with the scoring balance and having three players in double figures.
Pretty good balance with three guys in double figures and another with 9 points. He was also happy with the rebounding effort.
"Good team effort on the glass," Burreson added. "Isaac and Justin Baehler each had eight, Blaise and Joah six each. Isaac and Blaise led us with five and four tips respectively."
Burreson was also pleased with the play for the reserves.
"We got some quality minutes tonight from other guys off the bench," Burreson added. "Grant Bossert was able to hit a three and Grady Gorgen makes a lot happen on the defensive end. Cameron Wiegman had a nice solid performance. He hit a big three late and was solid on defense."
"It was a good start to the season," Burreson added. "The Dodgers always play hard. We just need to keep getting better and build from here."
SCORE BY HALVES
Mineral Point 32 33 65
Dodgeville 21 32 53
BOX SCORE
MINERAL POINT 65: (fg-ft-tp)
G. Gorgen 0-0-0, Lindsey 9-2-25, Watters 2-5-9, Wiegman 1-1-4, Baehler 0-0-0, Filardo 5-2-13, Stumpf 5-0-11, Sporle 0-0-0, Bossert 1-0-3, Wendhausen 0-0-0, Ludlum 0-0-0. Totals 23-10/19-65 Fouls-27. Fouled out-Stumpf
DODGEVILLE 53: Buchanan 2-3-7, Garthwaite 4-3-12, Weier 1-2-4, Jacobson 0-2-2, Busch 0-0-0, Halverson 2-0-4, Brennum 2-0-4, Sigg 0-0-0, Montague 0-0-0, Berg 2-0-5, Borne-Mumm 2-4-10, Tranel 2-1-5, Geisking 0-0-0, Beerkircher 0-0-0 Totals 17-15/25-53 Fouls-18
3 point goals:
MP-Lindsey 5, Wiegman 1, Filardo 1, Stumpf 1, Bossert 1
D-Garthwaite 1, Berg 1, Borne-Mumm 2