Coyotes pick up wins over Nashua, Turner

The Dodson Coyotes made short-work of Turner and Nashua last weekend, bringing them to an 8-3 record. The team will take on some tough competition this week as they are slated for three games.

The Coyotes will face the North Country Mavericks on Thursday, January 31. The Coyotes defeated North Country 46-42 in Dodson on Thursday, January 3. The Coyotes will also have to face Roy-Winifred in Dodson on Friday, February 1.

Dodson will then travel to Melstone, to take on the Panthers, who took third at the 2018 State C Basketball Tournament. Though Melstone is a tough team, Dodson Head Coach Frank Benson and the Coyotes are excited about the challenge.

"That's going to be a fun game," Coach Benson said. "I'm excited. This is why you play basketball, for games like this."

Melstone is led by star senior Brody Grebe, who has been averaging around 30 points a game. Grebe posted 34 points in Melstone's win over Wibaux on Friday, January 25, and 36 points in Melstone's win over Jordan on Thursday, January 24.

In Dodson's win over Turner, the team was led by Corbin Lone Bear who scored 19 points. Shaun Ball had 13 points. Zerek Jones had ten points.

"Zerek Jones lives in the post," Coach Benson said, praising Jones' efforts in the paint. "He doesn't leave it. He cleans up a lot of rebounds. He gets a lot of offensive rebounds and put-backs."

According to Coach Benson, one big key to the team's victory was due to the team's defensive effort led by Caleb Ditmar who was able to slow down Cody Welsh, who has averaged over 20 points a game. Welsh was held to 14 against Dodson.

"We defended well in that game against Turner," Coach Benson said. "Ditmar slowed down Welsh. He scored 14 and has been averaging 25. Every time Welsh shot the ball it was contested and the shots would go in. So he earned those 14 points."

Dodson's defense also helped power them to a decisive 84-54 victory over the Nashua Porcupines on Saturday, January 25. The Coyotes were led by Lone Bear who had 22 points. Tyrese Messerly scored 21 points and Ball had 19.

"They couldn't' guard Tyrese," Coach Benson said. "He just kept scoring off the dribble drive."