The Dell Rapids Quarrier boys saw their 2023-2024 season come to an end in the SoDak 16 in Watertown on Tuesday, March 5th. The Quarriers fell to the Groton Area Tigers 69-55, and the Tigers advanced to the State A Tournament.
After Groton started the game with a 9-4 lead, Dell Rapids went on a 6-0 run for a 10-9 lead. The Tigers scored the next three points to regain the lead 12-10. On the next two Quarrier possessions, Jack Henry made back-to-back three-point shots to give Dell Rapids a 16-12 lead. The Tigers pulled within a point, 16-15, by the end of the first quarter.
The Tigers started the second quarter on a 4-0 run to go back in front 19-16. Groton did not lose the lead from that point. Dell Rapids was within a point a couple of times in the second quarter, but the Tigers ended the first half with a 33-25 lead. Groton built a double-digit lead early in the third quarter and continued to lead by double digits, 52-39, going into the fourth quarter. Dell Rapids got within eight points, 59-51, with 4:00 to go, but that was as close as they could get.
The Quarriers shot 56% (25-45) from the field overall, 2-10 on three-point shots, and 3-6 from the free-throw line. The Groton defense was the big difference in the game. The Tigers forced 14 turnovers, 10 of those on steals. Groton shot 59% (26-44) overall, 4-9 on three-point attempts, and 72% (13-18) from the free-throw line.
Jack Henry finished with 23 points, six rebounds, eight assists, three blocked shots, and two steals. Tad Tjaden added 10 points, two rebounds, and two assists. Rhett Kloth had six points and six rebounds. Cole Ruesink had six points, three rebounds, and two steals. Treyse Eastman also had six points. Lincoln Fersdahl ended with four points.
Dell Rapids finishes the season with a 17-5 overall record.
