Last Saturday, the Ranger boys’ basketball team fell to the second-ranked Dawson County Red Devils, ending the game at a score of 58-43. Dawson County is currently standing at 8-4 for the season and is second in the Northwest region conference at 2-1, behind the Fergus Golden Eagles. Park High is 2-10 overall and sixth in the southeast region conference, standing at 0-4.

The game started with adversity as the Red Devils scored a 3-point shot by number 24 to unlock the scoreboard. It took a 5-point lead by Dawson County for the Rangers to score their first points on a free throw opportunity led by senior number 12, Alec Dalby. During the first quarter, the Red Devils fouled five times, allowing the Rangers to score three points on free throws. On the other hand, the Rangers fouled four times, for a total of two points made by Dawson County on free throws.

The Red Devils continued taking the lead as the game went on, increasing the score gap between the two teams. As the third quarter ended, Dawson County led the game with a score of 46-22. Going into the last quarter, the Rangers “Never gave up,” as number 35 sophomore Lliam Edwards said.

There was an “upward trend” according to senior Ryan Miller as they narrowed the score gap. “I’m glad we had good energy and that we worked hard in the second half,” said the lead scorer of the Rangers, senior number 0, Houston Dunn.

The Park High Rangers coach, Scott Rosberg, handled his team by “trying to teach the players adversity” and “handle it together,” he said.

This Friday, Feb.2, The Park High Rangers will be playing the third-ranked Hardin Bulldogs for the second time in the regular season. The boys varsity plays at 4:30, with C-squad games at noon and JV at 1:30.