Seven different players scored. There was another 3-pointer by Walsh and thunderous dunks by Seth Hotze and Croy following turnovers. The slam by Croy ended a remarkable 26-0 run that expanded the margin to 36-8.

A free throw by Neoga’s Luke Romack with 1:46 to play in the first half broke the Indians long scoring drought. At intermission, it was 38-13.

“Defense has to be a weapon for us this year,” Rincker admitted. “It has to help ignite our offense and we did that tonight. And when the second group came in, they didn’t miss a beat. I really liked seeing that. We really got after it. They played hard, they played smart and they played with energy. We’re going to pressure people this year.”

Rincker also liked the way his team shot the ball. For the game, the Bulldogs connected on 56 percent of their shots overall and 50 percent from long range.

“I hope we continue to shoot the ball that well,” Rincked noted. “If we do, it will add a whole other dynamic to our game. I think we’re capable. I would never say we need to shoot threes, but it is a big part of today’s game. And it will be a higher priority for us this year than it’s been in the past.”

The Bulldogs continued to build on their lead in the third period. A 10-0 run, sparked by 3-pointers from Ruholl and James Schuette, gave St. Anthony a 36-points bulge, 54-18, in the final minute of the quarter. The margin expanded to as much as 40 points, 66-26, after yet another three from Colton Fearday late in the game.

Ten Bulldogs got into the scoring column. Antrim led the way with 17 points and Ruholl added 11. St. Anthony made 27-of-48 shots overall. They were 9-of-18 from behind the arc and 5-for-8 from the foul line.

“Just seeing these seniors get to play was gratifying to me,” Rincker said. “Some of them waited their entire careers to have a chance to play, and due to COVID, they had to wait even longer. They made the most of that opportunity tonight and I was so happy for them.”

The Bulldogs are right back in action today (Saturday). They will host Robinson, with the varsity game scheduled to start at approximately 6:30 p.m.