The Dell Rapids St Mary Cardinal boys basketball team earned a big win at the Sacred Hoops Classic on Saturday, January 2nd. Playing in the final game of the day, the Cardinals played another top Class B team in the White River Tigers. St Mary ended the day in the late hours of the night with an 89-72 victory.
The game was fast-paced and full of action through its entirety. The two teams combined for 46 points in the first quarter alone as the Cardinals led 25-21 at the first break. The offensive explosion continued in the second quarter, but this time the Tigers held the upper hand in scoring. White River led 48-45 at halftime.
St Mary was able to take advantage of a strong defensive effort in the third quarter. The Cardinals held White River to just nine points in the third quarter, while scoring 20 of their own, and took a 65-57 lead into the fourth quarter. The Tigers got the lead down to 70-65 with 5:45 to play, and the lead held around that five-point range for the next couple of minutes. The Cardinals lead 77-70 with 3:57 before ending the game on a 12-2 run for the 89-72 win.
The Cardinals shot 55% (36-66) from the field, 35% (8-23) from three-point area, and 56% (9-16) from the free-throw line. The Tigers finished the game shooting 51% (29-57) from the field, 24% (5-21) from three-point area, and 69% (9-13) from the free-throw line. The Cardinals out-rebounded the Tigers 34-20 in the game and held a 16-10 advantage in team assists.
Connor Libis, named the St Mary player of the game, had 43 points along with three rebounds and three assists. Ashaun Roach-Valandra had 15 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. John Pica had 10 points and five rebounds. Max Herber finished with six points, six rebounds and three assists.
St Mary (4-2) will host Estelline/Hendricks on Friday, January 8th. The game can be seen on Big Sioux Media.