Photo taken and used with permission by Tammy Chamley
The #2 Dell Rapids Quarriers fell to the #3 Sioux Falls Christian Chargers in the Region 3A tournament at the Elmen Center on Friday, March 4th. The Chargers led at each quarter break, though each team held a lead in the second half, and won 62-57.
Dell Rapids struck first and led 9-3 with 2:15 to play in the opening quarter. The Chargers ended the quarter on an 8-0 run for an 11-9 lead. Sioux Falls Christian made the first three points in the second quarter to extend their run to 11-0 for a 14-9 advantage. The second quarter ended with Sioux Falls Christian leading 32-28.
The Quarriers got the game tied 35-35 with 3:25 to play in the third quarter. Dell Rapids regained the lead after a three pointer by Landon Ruesink with 2:25 to play in the quarter. The Quarriers lead 41-39 with 1:00 left, but the Chargers ended the quarter on a 5-0 run for a 44-41 lead. The Chargers were able to extend their lad to eight points, 57-49, with 3:15 left in the game. Dell Rapids got within a point, 58-57, after another Ruesink three pointer with :50 left. The Chargers made a free throw to lead 59-57 with :35 to go. Dell Rapids had an opportunity to tie the game, but the shot was no good with :14 to play. Sioux Falls Chrisitan made three free throws in the closing seconds to hang on for the win.
The Quarriers shot 40% (21-52) from the field, 39% (7-18) from three-point area, and 67% (8-12) from the free-throw line. The Chargers were 48% (21-44) from the field, 33% (5-15) from three-point area, and 63% (15-24) from the free-throw line.
Brayden Pankonen had 16 points to lead Dell Rapids in scoring. Ruesink had 14 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Jack Henry also had 14 points with four rebounds and two assists. Shane Stone added four points and five rebounds.
The Quarrier season ends with a record of 15-7.