The De Smet Bulldogs are headed back to the State B Tournament in search of their fourth straight title. The Bulldogs were able to grind out a win over the Timber Lake Panthers in the SoDak 16 in Miller on Tuesday, March 5th.
De Smet built a six point lead by the end of the first quarter, 14-8. They maintained their lead in the second quarter and still led by six points, 30-24, at halftime. The Bulldogs were able to extend their lead in the third quarter and were ahead 46-36 going into the fourth quarter. The Panthers made a run early in the fourth quarter. Timber Lake pulled within two points, 48-46, with 5:40 to go in the game. The Bulldogs, however, finished the game on a 13-3 run for the 61-49 win.
De Smet shot 40% (24-60) from the field overall, 14% (3-21) from three-point area, and 63% (10-16) from the free-throw line. Timber Lake shot 28% (16-58) overall, 24% (7-29) on three-point attempts, and 91% (10-11) from the free-throw line.
Three players finished in double figures. George Jensen finished with 16 points, eight rebounds, three blocked shots, and two assists. Kadyn Fast added 14 points, six rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Trace Van Regenmorter had 11 points and 10 rebounds. Grant Wilkinson had eight points and seven rebounds. Tom Aughenbaugh ended with seven points, four rebounds, and three assists. Britt Carlson had five points, six rebounds, and three assists.
