The Blue Devils hoped that a victory over Dakota could mark the beginning of a comeback for the 2025 season. The first half of the game was close and racked with fouls. Although South could barely top Dakota, they kept the gap narrow.
“I feel like both teams are playing hard and it’s evenly matched. It’s been an exciting game so far,” Jessie Rouleau, mother of player Sam Rouleau ’24 said. “We’re down by a little, but I think South’s going to come back.”
Rouleau added that she didn’t blame either side for the fouls, explaining that they naturally occur in aggressive play. Another South supporter, Gary Rager, who has been attending all the team’s games for the past eight years, said the team has a bright future.
“There are a lot of sophomores playing, and they’re playing well. This is the youngest team they’ve had and yet, they’re still hanging in there,” Rager said.
During the second half of the game, both teams traded baskets as if they were in a ping-pong match. Whoever was in possession ultimately ended up making the basket. The strategy “‘changed to steal the ball at all costs,’” and a list of fouls followed.
Although South lost 62-55, extending their losing streak of four by another game, athletic director Andy Rishmawi said the team is doing well overall.
“I think they’re doing great. We have a couple injuries, so we’re waiting for everyone to get healthy,” Rishmawi said. “I think we’re playing good basketball.”
