In the premier match-up of the Entringer Classic in Brookings on Saturday, December 31st, the De Smet Bulldogs took on Class A powerhouse Sioux Valley.
The first quarter was played just as many thought it would between these two teams. The quarter ended in a 16-16 tie. The Cossacks was able to take a 38-31 lead into halftime. The Bulldogs, however, cut that lead down to a point, 47-46, by the end of the third quarter. De Smet tied the game 51-51 with 5:11 to play and then took a 55-51 lead about a minute later. Sioux Valley then made back-to-back three-point shots in fifty seconds to regain the lead, 57-55. Oliver Vincent delivered the big blow for the Cossacks when he hit a step-back three-pointer with a minute left to extend their lead to 63-58. Sioux Valley won the game 67-58.
The Bulldogs shot 34% (20-58) from the field, 35% (7-20) from three-point area, and 69% (11-16) from the free-throw line. Sioux Valley finished 39% (22-56) overall, 35% (11-31) from three-point area, and a perfect 12-12 from the free-throw line.
Damon Wilkinson finished with 27 points and 14 rebounds. Tom Aughenbaugh had 12 points, three rebounds, and three assists. Kasen Janssen added eight points and seven rebounds. Trace Van Regenmorter had five points, and Kadyn Fast finished with four points.
