In a big match-up between two teams with an 11-4 record, the Dell Rapids Quarrier boys earned a tough road win over the Mt Vernon/Plankinton Titans on Tuesday, February 8th. The Quarriers pulled away late for an 80-68 victory.
The game went as expected with back-and-forth battles all night long. Dell Rapids had the early advantage, 16-13, at the end of the first quarter. The Quarriers slowly built a seven point lead by the end of the first half and led 34-27 at halftime. Their lead grew to 13 points, 46-33, with 5:25 to play in the third quarter. The Titans made a run and cut the lead down to 48-46 with 1:20 left in the quarter. The Quarriers pushed the lead back to five points, 54-49, by the start of the fourth quarter.
Mt Vernon/Plankinton started the fourth quarter on a little bit of a run. They cut the five-point lead down to two points, 58-56, with 6:00 to go in the game. The lead was still only two points, 62-60, with 4:30 on the clock. Dell Rapids then went on a 7-0 run to lead 69-60 with 2:00 to go in the game. The Quarriers made some big three-point shots and got some break-away layups after steals to seal the victory.
Dell Rapids shot 48% (30-63) in the game, 40% (10-25) from three-point area, and 53% (10-19) from the free-throw line. The Titans were a very good 59% (27-46) from the field, 1-4 on three pointers, and 72% (13-18) from the free-throw line. The Quarrier defense, however, caused problems for the Titans as they turned it over 25 times, 17 on Dell Rapids steals.
Brayden Pankonen had 31 points, seven steals, and six assists. Jack Henry had 25 points, three rebound, and three steals. Camden Justice added eight points and five rebounds. Landon Ruesink had six points, four rebounds, three steals, and three assists. Shane Stone finished with five points and nine rebounds.
The Quarriers (12-4) will travel to Dakota Valley on Friday, February 11th.