The Sioux Falls Christian Chargers erased a 14-point halftime deficit and stunned the Dell Rapids Quarriers 60-59 in the Region 3A Championship game on Tuesday, March 8th at the Elmen Center in Sioux Falls.
Before a capacity crowd, the Quarriers jumped out to an 11-0 lead in the first three minutes of the game and led 22-11 at the end of the first quarter. Dell Rapids was able to extend the lead even more by halftime as they outscored the Chargers 19-16 to take a 41-27 lead to the break. The Chargers poured on the defensive pressure in the second half, and came roaring back in the third quarter. Sioux Falls Christian outscored Dell Rapids 20-9 in the third quarter and cut the lead down to three at 50-47. Both teams went back and fourth in the fourth quarter. The Chargers took the lead for the first time in the game with 20.6 seconds to go after two made free throws by Keegan Van Egdom. Ty Hoglund was fouled with 14.2 seconds to go and made both free throws to give Dell Rapids the lead back at 59-58. But with just 3.6 left in the game, Chad Barkema was fouled, and he made both free throws as the lead went back to the Chargers. The last second shot from half court was no good for Dell Rapids.
Hoglund led Dell Rapids with 29 points and four assists. Jeffrey Schuch had nine points and three blocked shots. Mason Peter added seven points, and Sam White led the Quarriers with six rebounds in the game.
The Dell Rapids season coame to an end with a 20-3 record. Sioux Falls Christian advanced to the State A Tournament in Rapid City March 17-19.