Johnston IA 

31 JAN 25

The Dragons were scorching hot before heading into winter break, posting a record of 6-1 before the break and 5-1 in CIML conference play with their only loss coming from the hands of now No. 4 ranked Waukee NW (60-48). Since coming back from break, the Dragons have fallen into a slump losing six of their last games. While in this slump, Johnston fell out of 1st place in the CIML conference standings going 1-5 In conference play. Last Friday, the Dragons welcomed No. 2 West Des Moines Valley to JHS who have only lost twice this season.  The Dragons efforts fell just short in a Friday night CIML conference showdown at JHS in a nail biting 52-51 final.

In the dying seconds of the first quarter seconds, junior Tino Daye pulls up a last second  three pointer to give the Dragons a three point lead at the end of the first quarter. Johnston was out scored in the second quarter by Valley 15-12 but this CIML conference matchup was dead locked at 30 heading into the 3rd quarter. Valley came out of the half strong and once again out scoring Johnston 20-8 but the Dragons got hot late in the 3rd going on a 6-0 run to end the third. The Dragons had a sense of urgency in the 4th holding No. 2 Valley to just two points and out scoring the Tigers 2-13. A late turnover by Valley gave the Dragons a glimpse of hope. With 1.9 seconds remaining in the 4th, senior Jalen Richardson inbounded the ball to Tino Daye for one last glimpse of a very noticeable upset but his shot came up just short as Valley held on for an 52-51 CIML conference win. The Dragons struggles continue but they hope to snap out of this slump as they host 3-12 Ankeny Centennial on Coaches vs. Cancer night and a special Unified Sports Home Opener. On Saturday, the Dragons part take in the State Basketball Crossover and face 8-7 Norwalk. Finally the dragons have dropped to No. 16 in the class 4A rankings.