The Chester Flyers defeated the Dell Rapids St Mary Cardinals in an exciting second-round District 4B girls basketball game on Thursday, February 21st, in Chester. The Flyers jumped out to a lead in the first quarter by not allowing a field goal to the Cardinals in the quarter. All the points for Dell Rapids St Mary came on free throws, as Chester led 11-5 after the first quarter. The Cardinals found their offense in the second quarter and played strong defense as well, holding Chester to just three points and taking a halftime lead of 19-14. Chester would have the offensive burst in the third quarter, regaining the lead after the third, 31-25. The Flyers would extend that lead to 37-27 with 5:15 to go in the game. The Cardinals would not go away quietly, as they cut the lead in half to 37-32 with 4:19 to play. Chester would be held scoreless over the next two minutes as the Cardinals cut the Flyer lead down to 37-36 with 2:05 to go. Dell Rapids St Mary was not able to get any closer, only coming within two points at 40-38 with 1:21 in the game. The Chester Flyers would knock down big free throws to hang on for the win.
Dell Rapids St Mary was led by Kelly Michel with a game-high 17 points. Anna Wolles added 11 points, and Amber Hansen finished with five points. Chester was led by Erin Benson with 16 points. Sara Heyn had 13 points, and Rachel Reiff had seven points.
The Cardinals season comes to an end with a record of 10-11. Chester moves on to the District 4B Championship game against Oldham-Ramona/Rutland on Saturday, February 23rd, at the Swiftel Center in Brookings.
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