Photo taken and used with permission by Tammy Chamley
The De Smet Bulldogs had votes to be ranked in the latest media poll and a 4-0 record coming into the game against the Dell Rapids St Mary Cardinals on Monday, December 20th. The Cardinals were up to the task in front of a packed gym, but the Bulldogs slowly pulled away for the 54-43 win.
The atmosphere was electric, and the two teams traded blows in the first quarter. St Mary ended the first quarter with a 16-15 lead. The Bulldogs were able to build a seven-point lead, 26-19, in the second quarter. St Mary was able to put a run together and pulled within a point, 30-29, by halftime.
After a fast-paced first half, the offenses slowed in the third quarter. The two teams combined for a total of 16 points, and the Bulldogs slowly built a 40-35 advantage heading into the final quarter. They extended their lead to 13 points, 50-37, which was too much to overcome for St Mary.
The Cardinals shot 28% (13-46) in the game. They were just 16% (3-19) on three-point shots and 64% (14-22) from the free-throw line. De Smet finished 44% (20-46) from the field, 29% (4-14) from three-point area, and 63% (10-16) from the free-throw line. Both teams finished with 34 total rebounds each.
Courtney Brown had eight points, three rebounds, and an assist. Madala Hanson also had eight points and three rebounds. Brianna Griffin had six points, two rebounds, one steal, and one assist. Whitney Warwick finished with six points and a rebound. Ella Griffin added five points, one rebound, and one assist. Addyson Gilbert tallied four points, seven rebounds, one assist, and one steal.
St Mary (2-2) will host Chester Area on Tuesday, December 28th for their next game.