The Bison Boys Basketball team (4-18) played on Saturday, February 5 at 2:30 p.m. at Buffalo High School against the Andover Huskies (6-15). It was the 16th annual Pat Sonju memorial game.
“The Bison Boys Basketball season is a learning year,” said team reporter Rob LaPlante. “They are 4-19, but the Sonju game went well, for the most part.”
The Bison entered the game 10-5 all-time in a game in which they honor the late Pat Sonju. They play this game with a very heavy heart, honoring the former coach before the game with a moment of silence.
Pat Sonju touched so many lives, inside and outside of basketball, and the Bison are trying to continue the tradition that he would want. “This game is very important for us to win,” Tristan Hardt said. “We want to make Pat Sonju proud.”
The Bison have struggled with injuries all season long, leading to an increased workload for players who may not be quite ready yet.
“It’s very frustrating,” Tommy Bean answered after the game. “We know we can play. Anyone can step up. It’s just not there.”
The game started out with the Bison getting off to a slow start, as they trailed 9-3 with 8:30 left in the first quarter. They went on a 21-9 run to take a 24-18 lead after the 2nd quarter. Dusty Willert led the Bison with 9 points at the break. With 4:38 left in the game, Junior Dylan Rohlin nailed a three pointer to put the Bison up 46-45. The Huskies were up 5 with 2:00 left, and the Bison went to the foul game. The Huskies daggered the Bison by going perfect at the line, cruising to a 65-55 win over the Bison. The Bison were lead by Junior Dylan Rohlin (20) and Senior Dusty Willert (16). Logan Rezac carried the Huskies with 17.
The Bison play the Big Lake Hornets on February 12 at 7:15 at Buffalo High School, seeking to end a 10 game losing streak.
