Eagles Cruise Past Dutchmen Boys
By Mike Drooger –
Theodor Seuss Geisel, who went by the penname of Dr. Seuss, was born on March 2, 1904. Perhaps Seuss’ most popular book is the one involving green eggs and ham and the line, “I do not like green eggs and ham. I do not like them, Sam-I-am.”
The Edgerton Flying Dutchmen celebrated Seuss’ birthday by hosting the Southwest Minnesota Christian Eagles on March 2, 2021. EHS Coach Doug Van Kley wasn’t concerned about eggs or ham of any color. He was concerned about his team taking care of the ball. The Eagles are known for their defense. Even if they don’t force a turnover, it’s likely they will force the opponent into a bad or tough shot.
Dawson Rieck found the west basket at the Edgerton Public gym much to his liking in the first half. Thirty seconds into the game he nailed a trey for SW’s first three points. Keegan Fey scored (assist Gabe Gilbertson) for EHS before Hunter Vander Haar of the Eagles made two free throws for a 5-2 SW lead.
Fey hit Mason Gilbertson down low for two then Coach Van Kley got exactly what he didn’t want, and it wasn’t green eggs and/or ham. His center, Mason Gilbertson, was whistled for foul number two. Remember the old song from the TV variety show Hee Haw with the words, “If it weren’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck at all.” That’s the way it seems to go for Mason. He can be straight up standing perfectly still and still be called for the foul. Much to his credit, after getting two quick questionable calls against him, Mason kept his cool and headed for the bench.
In his absence, his replacement, Jacob Fischer, got an assist to Fey for three, and the Dutchmen led 6-5. Then Rieck hit another bomb (Carter Van Hulzen assist) and EHS called timeout with 14:44 remaining in the first half down 8-6.
