Photo taken and used with permission by Tammy Chamley
Every time the Hamlin Chargers made a run at the lead, the Dell Rapids Quarriers had an answer. Dell Rapids won the close battle 58-51 at the Entringer Classic at Brookings High School on Friday, December 31st.
Dell Rapids started the game on a 7-0 run and led 10-2 in the first quarter. The Chargers closed the quarter on a 7-0 run of their own to make the score 10-9 at the break. After Hamlin tied the game 15-15, Dell Rapids went on another 7-0 run to lead 22-15 and ended the first half with a 26-22 advantage.
The Quarriers would build a lead of five-to-seven points throughout the second half, but Hamlin would find a way to get the game within a single possession. Dell Rapids held a five-point lead, 44-39, goings into the fourth quarter. The Chargers fought back to pull within a point, 52-51, with 1:57 to go in the game, but Dell Rapids sank four free throws and a layup in that time for the 58-51 win.
Dell Rapids shot 50% (21-42) from the field, 36% (4-11) on three-pointers, and a perfect 12-12 on free throws. Hamlin was 44% (18-41) shooting, 53% (10-19) on three-pointers, and 63% (5-8) on free throws.
Brayden Pankonen, named the game’s MVP, had 19 points, five rebounds, and an assist. Landon Ruesink had 12 points, two rebounds, and two assists. Shane Stone finished with eight points and four rebounds. Jack Henry finished with seven points, two rebounds, and an assist. Camden Justice added six points, five rebounds, and two assists. Aiden Boechler also had six points and three rebounds.
Dell Rapids (3-1) will travel to West Central on Monday, January 3rd.