On Tuesday, January 17, the ADM Tigers took on the DC-G mustangs. The Tigers were a team on the rise playing some of their best basketball they have all season with Tajen Ross averaging 27 points in the past four games. The Mustangs, however, were one of the state’s best teams being undefeated before losing two straight to Pella Christian and the Pella Dutch. On top of how the teams were playing this was THE RIVALRY. ADM and DC-G have been rivals for as long as I can remember and no matter what sport, they play, it’s a fun game to watch.

During the first half, the Tigers got off to a hot start. Once again it was led by the shooting of Tajen Ross. This time though it was complemented early by Matthew Larson and Payton Conrad. On the other end of the court is where the Tigers were striving. Playing lockdown defense and holding DCG’s leading scorer to very little offensive activity early on. Dallas Center wasn’t 9-2 for their scoring. They were winning games on their defensive efforts. ADM did a great job finding open passing lanes moving the ball around found their shots. It looked as if they were having an easy time finding their shots. Playing great defense makes the pressure of scoring a whole lot easier. The Tigers were up 21-17 after one quarter of play. One difference recently for the Tigers was spreading the scoring out. Teams base their defense around Ross, but that leaves other players open like Cole Knoll who finished with 11 tonight. ADM was spot on from the three and down the stretch, where the Tigers recently struggled. They finished 17/20 on free throws. At the half, the Tigers were leading the Mustangs 40-31.

After the half, the Tigers didn’t stop there. The Tigers led during the second half by at least nine points for most of the time. During the second half ,Tajen Ross was scoring from everywhere. Ross finished the game with 29 points to continue his dominance in these games. Payton Conrad and Matthew Larson finished with a combined 27 as the Tigers go on to route the Mustangs 78-65.

The Tigers take on Ballard on Friday, and if I were the Bombers I would be scared to take on this hot ADM team. ADM looks to continue its streak after beating Boone and DC-G in back to back games. On the other hand, the Bombers are looking for revenge after losing 57-60 the first time they played. The Bombers are 3-8 and looking for a kickstart to their season.