A run to start the third quarter was enough for the Viborg-Hurley Cougars to beat the St Mary Cardinals in the semifinals of the 2025 South Dakota State B Boys Basketball Tournament in Aberdeen on Friday, March 21st. The Cougars held off a late surge by the Cardinals for a 56-49.
St Mary got off to a strong start to the game. After a 2-2 tie, the Cardinals went on a 7-0 run for a 9-2 lead with 3:09 to go in the first quarter. The Cougars were able to cut the lead to 9-7 by quarter’s end. The Cardinals continued to lead 14-12 with 4:00 to play in the first half. After the game was tied 17-17, Viborg-Hurley ended the first half with a 23-19 lead.
The Cougars continued their run to start the third quarter. Viborg-Hurley scored the first seven points for a 30-19 lead with 6:26 to play in the third quarter. St Mary cut the lead to seven, 37-30, but the Cougars responded and extended the lead to a game-high 12 points, 45-33, with :35 left in the third. The Cardinals were able to cut the lead in half, 45-39, going into the fourth quarter. St Mary chipped away at the lead and got within three points, 52-49, with 3:14 to play in the game. The Cardinals were unable to score the rest of the game. The Cougars secured the win from the free-throw line in the closing seconds.
St Mary finished the game shooting 39.5% (17-43) from the field overall, 29.2% (7-24) on three-point attempts, and 72.7% (8-11) from the free-throw line. Viborg-Hurley shot 48.8% (21-43) overall, 40% (8-20) on three-point shots, and 60.0% (6-10) from the free-throw lines.
Trevon Beckman had 25 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Jake Kopsas finished with seven points and six rebounds. Maverick LeBrun had seven points, five rebounds, four blocked shots, and two steals. Trimmier Hanson also had seven points with five assists and three steals.
