The Hanson Beaverettes took advantage of 38 trips to the free-throw line and defeated the Dell Rapids St Mary Cardinals 51-38 in Huron on Thursday, February 25th. The win sends Hanson to the SoDak 16.
The first quarter was close throughout, and Hanson was able to take a three-point lead, 11-8, into the second quarter. St Mary was only able to score two points in the second quarter, and the Beaverettes took advantage building a 26-10 halftime lead.
Hanson pushed the lead to 20 points early in the third quarter, but the Cardinals got their offense going and cut the lead in half by the end of the third quarter. Hanson led 34-24 heading into the final quarter. Every time the Cardinals tried to make a run, the Beaverettes made free throws to keep the Cardinals at bay.
St Mary finished the game shooting 38% (15-40) from the field, 24% (4-17) from three-point area, and 36% (4-11) from the free-throw line. The difference in the game came down to the free-throw advantage. Hanson was 25-38 from the free-throw line and also out-rebounded St Mary 51-23.
Ella Heinitz had nine points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Addyson Gilbert had nine points. Ella Griffin finished with eight points, four rebounds, and a steal. Brianna Griffin added five points.
The Cardinals season comes to an end with a 15-7 record.