Royals Basketball Continues to Improve Early in the Season

The Royals Men took a Montana road trip this past week. On November 12^th  the men took on Miles City Community College and did a great job getting to the free throw line as a team. The Royals gave a great effort.

"We controlled the game pretty much throughout, which was the difference. The guys pulled off a good win against a hostile crowd," said Royals Head Coach Jared Marshall.

All 11 players played this weekend. Need to do a better job rebounding and taking care of the ball. Anthony Davis and Clarence Daniels led the Royals with 18 points each against Miles City. D'Sean Larkins added another 14 points. Daniels also led rebounding with 14.

The second game of the weekend the Royals took on Dawson Community College. The Royals had the lead into the 2^nd half. Then, DCC's press wore the Royals down.

"We had 13 second-half turnovers and it cost us. We didn't get stops when we needed them," Marshall said.

Dawson went on a run late to take the lead. The Royals cut the lead to 3-4 points at the end, but  couldn't make plays to get all the way back on top.

Coach Marshall said, "The Montana road trip is always a tough one. We were able to get one while we were out there and let another slip through our hands."

Overall it was a good weekend by Clarence Daniels, Anthony Davis, and James Sommer.

Against Dawson, Daniels led in scoring with 22, followed by James Sommer with 21, and Davis with 15.

"Anthony is doing a great job on both sides of the ball. He is scoring and taking on tough defensive assignment. James is playing with a lot of confidence and is doing a lot for us as well. Clarence is rebounding really well, averaged a double double over the weekend is impressive," Marshall said.

Still, the split was a learning experience for the team.

"We have the ability to play with everyone. When we come together and put together a full game as a team we are going to be tough," Marshall said.

Weather put a halt to the Lady Royals matchup at BSC November 13^th. Then, the Lady Royals had a rough road trip to Wahpeton, taking on NDSCS November 15^th.

The Royals struggled to find their footing and the basket wasn't cooperative.

"The team overall had a rough time getting the ball to the basket," said Coach Coldon Hutton.

With a final score of 96-51 in NDSCS's favor, the Lady Royals returned home to rebuild and prepare for additional conference play.

Leading the Lady Royals was Tiziana Huici with 28 and Pilar Ortiz with 10.

"We've got some connecting to do on the court and hope to spring back and play our style of game moving forward," Hutton said.

On Tuesday night both the men & women took on NCTC at the Devils Lake Sportscenter. The women went into the half with an 11 point lead but could not keep the momentum in the 2^nd half. A 6 point 4^th quarter proved to be the undoing for the Lady Royals. They would fall 64-57. Josie Brodina had 15pts, Tiziana Huici had 14pts and Marta Lopez filled it up with 9pts 7rebs and 9ast.

For the men, they would use a dominant first half defensive effort to propel themselves to a 34 point victory. The Royals would hold NCTC to 43 total points on the night. James Sommer led the Royals with 18 points, with Carson Henningsgard chipping in 10pts and Ben Hoverson with 10pts and 7rebs.

The Royals are back in action this Saturday & Sunday at home. Saturday 1pm & 3pm vs. UTTC. On Sunday the women will take on Williston State at 1pm with the men taking on Dakota College at Bottineau at 3pm.

Go Royals!