Missing some key players from the lineup, the Dell Rapids St Mary Cardinal girls basketball team rallied in the fourth quarter for a 47-38 win over the Estelline/Hendricks Redhawks in the opening round of the Dakota Valley Conference Tournament in Estelline on Tuesday, January 21st.
The Redhawks opened the game on a 6-0 run. St Mary responded with a 9-2 run for a 9-8 lead with 2:45 to play in the opening quarter. It was the Redhawks, though, that held a 17-14 lead at the end of the quarter. The second quarter was close throughout. Estelline/Hendricks held a one-point lead at 26-25 at halftime.
The two teams traded leads and were tied multiple times throughout the third quarter. The game was tied 34-34 heading into the fourth quarter. St Mary held the Redhawks scoreless for almost six minutes in the fourth quarter while building a nine-point lead at 43-34. After Estelline/Hendricks pulled within five points at 43-38, the Cardinals closed out the game on a 4-0 run for the win.
Ella Heinitz had a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Elle Griffin had eight points and nine rebounds. Addy Gilbert also had eight points with four rebounds. Brianna Griffin finished with six points. Kylie Beare led Estelline/Hendricks with 17 points and eight rebounds.
St Mary (6-5) will play Colman-Egan in the semifinals on Friday, January 24th at 7:30 p.m. at Estelline High School.