TINA L. SCOTT
EDITOR
The Merrill Varsity Boys Basketball Team had an exciting rivalry match-up on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023, playing the Antigo Red Robins. To say the Merrill team and fans were elated to emerge with a resounding win would probably be an understatement, and Merrill now advances to play tonight, Friday, March 3, 2023, in Mosinee at 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and tickets are available at the door for $6. The Merrill Varsity Boys would love to see a big Merrill turnout to cheer them on!
To recap Tuesday night’s game, Merrill Varsity Boys Basketball Head Coach Troy Pieper said the Bluejays’ energy was great right from the start.
“Antigo didn’t get anything easy against us all night,” Pieper said. “Our defense was locked in, and it was fun to watch.”
“Offensively, I really liked how we played together and made the extra passes,” he said, “And we got a lot of great looks. Also, our defense forced some turnovers which also led to easy breakout baskets for us.”
“Carter Baade was key to our success tonight,” Pieper said. “On both ends, he was simply awesome. His energy on defense and his confidence he played with on offense was great tonight.”
“Bradyn Pieper had a nice first half, too, to help us get out to a big lead,” he said. “He hit some shots from beyond the arc. However, the nice thing with Bradyn as of late is how he’s become more aggressive attacking the rim, and he did that again tonight very well.”
At halftime, Merrill was at 44 and Antigo just 15. By the end of the game, the Bluejays took the win, 21 points ahead of the Red Robins.
“Tyson Glisch had a big assignment against Antigo’s best player,” Coach Pier said. “And while their big guy is going to get his points, Tyson did a fantastic job frustrating him and really making things as difficult as possible on him. We will need that same sort of effort and energy Friday from Tyson.”
“[Tuesday] we were the better seed and we showed it,” he said. “We did what we needed to do to advance. Now each game it gets more and more difficult. If we come out with the same energy and effort as we did [against Antigo], we will continue to have success moving forward.”
“Everyone got in the game and got significant minutes, as well,” Pieper said of the Tuesday-night game. “It’s always great when guys get that playoff experience, because you never know when they will be called upon.”
Regional Playoff Opener
Merrill 70 @ Antigo 49