The Dell Rapids Quarrier girls basketball team earned their second straight trip to the Class A “Round of 16” after 52-40 win over the Sioux Falls Christian Chargers in the Region 3A tournament on Thursday, February 22nd at Tea Area High School.
The Quarriers used a spurt in each of the four quarters to claim the victory. Dell Rapids went on an 8-0 after the Chargers scored the first point of the game and took an 8-1 lead with 5:28 to play. Sioux Falls Christian responded with an 11-4 run to tie the game at 12-12 after the first quarter of play. The Quarriers then used a 12-0 run in the second quarter to build a double digit lead of 26-14 with 1:15 to play in the half. The Chargers scored the final four points of the quarter, and Dell Rapids 26-18 at halftime.
Sioux Falls Christian continued their run into the third quarter and got within a point at 30-29 with 3:30 to play in the third quarter. Dell Rapids closed out the third quarter on a 6-1 spurt to push their lead to 36-30 heading into the final quarter. The Chargers scored the first four points of the fourth quarter to make the score 36-34 with 5:45 left in the game. The Quarriers answered with another run, this time 6-0, to push the lead back to eight at 42-34 with 2:50 remaining. After a Charger score, Arial Hoffman made a big three-point shot with 1:40 to go in the game to give Dell Rapids a 45-36 lead. The Quarriers were able to make their free throws down the stretch to secure the victory.
Emma Paul finished the game with a double-double for Dell Rapids. Paul had 20 points, 10 rebounds as well as four steals and three assists. Sydney Stofferahn added 13 points. A. Hoffman had eight points, five assists, and three rebounds. Jayda Knuppe finished with six points and four rebounds. Ravyn Hoffman had three points, and Aspen Hansen finished with two points. Dell Rapids had a total of 22 team rebounds, 16 team steals, and 12 team assists.
The Quarriers will advance to the “Round of 16” which will be played on a neutral court on Thursday, March 1st. The opponent and location are yet to be determined.