The Dell Rapids St Mary Cardinal boys basketball team lost the opening round of the Dakota Valley Conference Tournament on Tuesday, January 20th, in Estelline. The Cardinals lost to Elkton-Lake Benton 83-52.
The Elks jumped out to a nine-point lead by the end of the first quarter at 21-12. The Cardinals were able to cut that lead down to eight by halftime at 44-36. However, the second-half defense of the Elks proved to be too much for the Cardinals. The Elks outscored the Cardinals 22-9 to take a 66-45 lead at the end of the third quarter. St Mary was only able to score seven points in the fourth quarter, while the Elks added 17 more.
The Cardinals were led by Mitch Brown with 13 points. Noah Fiegen added 12 points. The Elks were led by Heath Schindler with 37 points, 10 steals, and seven assists. Nick Krog added 18 points.
The Cardinals fall to 0-11 on the year.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Final | |
| Dell Rapids St Mary | 12 | 24 | 9 | 7 | 52 |
| Elkton-Lake Benton | 21 | 23 | 22 | 17 | 83 |