Photo taken and used with permission by Tammy Chamley
The Dell Rapids Quarrier boys tried to put the game away in the third quarter, but the Elkton-Lake Benton Elks kept hanging close. Dell Rapids was still able to get a 62-57 road win on Tuesday, January 25th.
Most of the game was close, and the first quarter was played to a 15-15 tie. Dell Rapids held the first advantage at a quarter break when the lead 30-26 at halftime. The Quarriers had a 10-point lead in the third quarter, but the Elks came back and made a layup at the end of the quarter to cut the lead to 43-38. The Quarriers were able to keep a four-to-seven point lead throughout the fourth quarter as the two teams traded baskets through most of it. In the closing seconds, the Quarriers were able to get a fast-break layup by Camden Justice as he was fouled. Justice made the extra free-throw to put Dell Rapids ahead by seven to secure the win.
Dell Rapids shot 49% (22-45) from the field, but did not make a three-pointer in the game. The Quarriers were a strong 75% (18-24) from the free-throw line. The Elks finished the game shooting 47% (22-47), 29% (4-14) from three-point area, and 75% (9-12) from the free-throw line.
Three players finished in double figures for Dell Rapids. Brayden Pankonen had 17 points, four steals, and three rebounds. Jack Henry had 16 points and four rebounds. Landon Ruesink finished with 15 points, three steals, two rebounds, and two assists. Aiden Boechler added seven points, and Justice had five points.
Dell Rapids (8-3) will host Vermillion on Thursday, January 27th.