The nine-point lead built in the first half was just enough for the Dell Rapids St Mary Cardinal boys to win their regular season finale against the Bridgewater-Emery Huskies in Emery on Friday, February 26th. The Cardinals ended the regular season with a 67-55 victory.
The offenses were ready to go early and combined to score 38 points in the first quarter alone. The Cardinals had the 21-17 advantage heading into the second quarter. St Mary shot the ball well from three-point area, with over half of their made three-pointers coming in the first half. That. sharp shooting helped the Cardinals hold a 40-31 lead at halftime.
The two teams played at the same pace in the third quarter. The Huskies and Cardinals both scored 14 points each, and St Mary continued to lead by nine points, 54-45, heading into the final quarter. The fourth quarter was much of the same as the third quarter, with the two teams continuing to match one another, and St Mary Cardinals took the victory.
St Mary shot 57% (24-42) from the field, 47% (9-19) from three-point area, and a perfect 10-for-10 from the free-throw line. The Huskies shot 43% (20-47) from the field, 36% (5-14) from three-point area, and 50% (10-20) from the free-throw line.
Connor Libis had 26 points and five assists. Sam Palmer had a perfect night from the floor finishing 6-for-6 shooting, including five made three-pointers, and 2-for-2 from the free-throw line. Palmer finished with 19 points, five rebound, three blocks, and an assist. Ashaun Roach-Valandra. had five points, 11 rebounds, and three steals. Ty Brown had six points, and Max Herber had six points, three rebounds, and two steals.
The Cardinals finish the regular season with a 16-4 record and a third-place finish in Region 4B. St Mary will play #6 Chester in a Region 4B game at St Mary High School on Tuesday, March 2nd at 7:00 p.m.