Photo taken and used with permission by Sara Stadem
The Dell Rapids St Mary Cardinals (15-5) earned a hard-fought, 66-58 win over the Canistota Hawks in the opening round of the Region 3B tournament on Tuesday, February 28th. The whole game was back and forth between the two teams. Each team went on little streaks throughout the game, but the Cardinals were able to hold the lead in the fourth quarter.
Canistota had a lead through most of the first quarter, but the Cardinals rallied late and led 17-12 at the break. The Hawks started the second quarter on a 6-0 run to regain the lead, and the two teams battled back and forth. St Mary ended the half with a 31-25 lead. The Cardinals led by as many as seven points in the third quarter, but the Hawks cut the lead down to 45-42 going into the fourth quarter. St Mary got some big shots in the fourth quarter and outscored Canistota 21-16 for the win.
The Cardinals shot 53% (21-40) overall, 44% (8-18) from three-point area, and 84% (16-19) from the free-throw line. Canistota finished the game shooting 45% (25-55) overall, 1-7 on three-point attempts, and 70% (7-10) from the free-throw line.
Nic Gaspar had 28 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocked shots in the game. Maverick LeBrun finished with 17 points, two rebounds, and two assists. Trevon Beckman added 15 points, four rebounds, and four assists. Trimmier Hanson had two points and three assists. CJ Smith tallied two points, two rebounds, and two assists. Lucas Flemmer also had two points.
