Pictured: Nolan Buckridge attempts to pass around two Patriot defenders. (Photo by Tanya O’Leary)

Mike Drooger –

Early on February 2, 2021, at Gobblers’ Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, the world’s most famous Phil determined there would be six more weeks of winter, which came to the surprise of no one in SW Minnesota.

In Hills on February 2, the Edgerton Flying Dutchmen boys’ basketball team surprised the Hills-Beaver Creek Patriots early in the game when they raced to a 10-0 lead before the fans had gotten comfortable in his or her seat after the National Anthem.

But the Patriots, who missed their first nine shots from the field—including their first five shots from downtown, eventually heated up while Edgerton went stone cold, and the Patriots won going away 69-41.

The Dutchmen were dealt a big blow before the game even started. Mason Gilbertson, Edgerton’s 6’6” post player who often leads the teams in points and/or rebounds, was relegated to cheerleader due to a concussion. But even without the big fella, Edgerton cruised early. Nolan Buckridge drained a trey (assist Keegan Fey). Gabe Gilbertson swished a short jumper on the baseline. Jacob Fischer scored down low thanks to Fey’s second assist. At the 14:24 mark, Buckridge added a free throw after he had yanked down an offensive rebound in traffic and was fouled. Fischer scored again (Gilbertson assist) and EHS enjoyed the 10-0 lead. 

H-BC’s best opportunity to score after Edgerton had built its 10-point cushion came at the charity stripe with 11:30 on the first-half clock, but they missed both shots. Finally, at the 10:25 mark, the Patriots got on the board when Zander Wysong—H-BC’s only senior—swished a long trey. Wysong’s bucket was an omen of things to come. The Patriots, after missing nine straight, made seven consecutive shots from the field, including four from long distance, and they assumed command of the game.

Gabe Gilbertson shoots for two.

Jacob Ockenga with the block.