Photo courtesy of Tammy Chamley – Dells City Journal
In a close battle in Salem, the McCook Central/Montrose Fighting Cougars edged the Dell Rapids Quarriers 56-53 on Thursday, December 28th.
The two teams remained really close throughout the entire first quarter, and they ended in a 13-13 tie after the first quarter. The Fighting Cougars went on a 14-4 run in the first three minutes of the second quarter for a 27-17 lead. Dell Rapids responded by outscoring McCook Central/Montrose 16-4 over the remainder of the quarter for a 33-31 halftime lead.
Both teams battled back and forth in the third quarter scoring 12 points each. Dell Rapids maintained a two point lead at 45-43 heading into the final quarter. The Fighting Cougars outscored the Quarriers 9-5 for a 52-50 lead with 4:24 to go in the game. Dell Rapids took a 53-52 lead with 2:20 to play, but the Fighting Cougars responded with a three-point basket moments later to regain the lead at 55-53 with just under 2:00 to play. Dell Rapids was unable to get another basket the remainder of the game as McCook Central/Montrose held on for the win.
Emma Paul finished with 20 points and five rebounds for the Quarriers. Jayda Knuppe added 16 points, and Ravyn Hoffman scored 11 points. Jacy Pulse led the Fighting Cougars with 20 points.
Dell Rapids (3-2) will play in Flandreau against the Fliers on Friday, December 28th. The game can be seen on Big Sioux Media.