Bismarck Indians start slow, finish strong to arrive at finals

By JASON VIOX/Daily Journal Sports Writer

CALEDONIA - Friday night held the semi-final games at Valley's tournament. The Bismarck Indians arrived at the semi-final match along with the Marquand Zion Tigers. Although Bismarck had a very sluggish first quarter, the Indians recovered as they forced Marquand to commit several turnovers. Bismarck came back and picked up a 51-46 win.

Sam Fisher sank a two-point jump shot to put the Indians on board. Robert Sutton and Jay Francis each fired a three-pointer for a 6-2 ball game. Although a bucket and a free throw by Fisher placed Bismarck behind by one point, four points scored for the Tigers forced the Indians to call a time-out before things got too out of hand. Mike Franklin drained a two-point field goal before Marquand sank a two and three-point ball to end the first quarter 16-7.

Bismarck buckled down and came out on a high note in the second quarter. Forced turnovers and rebounds gave the Indians an advantage over the Tigers. Nathan Fortner nailed a three-pointer while Kevin Randazzo dashed through defenders for a lay-up for the Indians.

Josh King sank two points for the Tigers before Randazzo matched King's efforts with a field goal and a free throw. Randazzo came back and made a three and two-point attempt to tie the game. Fisher tagged one more two-point jump shot right before the buzzer rang for a 24-22 Bismarck lead at the half.

King commenced the second half with a three-point shot. Bismarck went on a spurt of six points to lead 32-27. King sank a free throw while Francis came back with a pair of points. Fisher completed a jump shot while Lance McCrorey placed a lay-up to make the score 38-32. A King bucket combined with a free throw and a last-second lay-up by Keith Proctor placed Marquand behind by one.

Fisher drained one free throw to begin the fourth quarter before King nailed a field goal. A Randazzo pass to an unguarded Fisher allowed Fisher to make a lay-up untouched. Randazzo came back with a lay-up of his own for a score of 45-39. King scored a free throw after Marquand called a time-out. A Fisher lay-up and a pair of King's free throws was completed before Randazzo nailed a free throw and Fisher made another lay-up after a steal.

King sank two more free throws to narrow the gap 50-46. This gave Bismarck a huge scare as the Indians called a time-outs at the 44 second mark and the 23 second mark. Although Fisher held on to the ball to run down the clock, a Marquand foul allowed Fisher to sink one free throw to ensure security of the game.

Fisher was the high scorer for Bismarck with 23 points while Randazzo came up with 13. King led all scorers with 27 points for the Tigers.

The Indians will take on Cuba tonight at 8:30 for the championship. Cuba downed Bunker at the other semi-final match 69-57.

Consolation Bracket

The Valley Vikings struggled throughout their own tournament and struggle continued as they were up against the Viburnum Blue Jays in the consolation match. The Blue Jays triumphed over the Vikings 71-54.

Michael Dodd led Valley in points with 17 while Dustin Walker trailed Dodd with 11 points. Joseph Bozix led all scorers as he piled up 23 for Viburnum.

The Vikings will host Arcadia Valley Thursday.

Crystal City Tournament

CRYSTAL CITY - The Ste. Genevieve Dragons took on Crossroads for the third place match at Crystal City's tournament Friday. Ste. Genevieve played extremely well man-to-man defense and this gave the Dragons the third place title as they downed Crossroads 48-43.

Kyle Faulkner scored the most points for Ste. Genevieve as he racked up 17 points. Garrett Ditch wasn't too far behind as he scored 15 points and grabbed nine rebounds.

The Dragons will play their first home game of the season when Crystal City comes to town Tuesday.

Non-Tournament Game

IRONTON - The Arcadia Valley Tigers basketball squad had a good night of basketball when Clearwater paid the Tigers a visit Friday evening. Arcadia Valley jumped out early in the game and kept their lead. Although the Tigers' defense slowed down a little bit, Arcadia Valley held on for a 63-55.

Dustin Royer was the high scorer for the Tigers with 20 points. Jack Franklin scored 11 points, Blaine Dunivan made 10 and Abe Warren racked up eight. Royer pulled down 10 rebounds.

The Tigers (3-1) travel to North County Tuesday.