Free throws and rebounds were the big key to the game between the Dell Rapids St Mary Cardinals and Centerville Tornadoes on Tuesday, February 15th. The Cardinals celebrated their two seniors, Addyson Gilbert and Courtney Brown, but it was the Tornadoes that celebrated the win, 55-49.
Centerville held a distinct advantage at the free-throw line as well as in total rebounds. The Tornadoes were 19-31 from the free-throw line, while St Mary was just 3-13. Centerville also out rebounded the Cardinals 48-34 in the game. Those two stats proved to be the difference.
The Tornadoes had a seven-point lead, 13-6, at the end of the first quarter. The Cardinals were able to cut that lead down to two points, 19-17, but Centerville pushed the lead to 29-21 by halftime. The Cardinals still found themselves trailing heading into the fourth quarter, 38-31. St Mary again got the game within a single possession, but could never quite complete the comeback as the Tornadoes held for the win.
St Mary shot 35% (20-57) overall and 22% (6-27) from three-point area. Centerville was 33% (16-49) from the field and 21% (4-19) from three-point area.
Madala Hanson had 15 points, three rebounds, two assists, and three steals. Brianna Griffin ended with nine points and three rebounds. Ella Griffin added seven points, five rebounds, and four assists. Whitney Warwick had six points.
The regular season ends for the Cardinals with an 11-9 record. St Mary will begin Region 4B play on Tuesday, February 22nd.