The Dell Rapids Quarrier girls basketball team earned a 61-57 OT victory over the Sioux Falls Christian Chargers in the opening game of the 2014-2015 season on Tuesday, December 9th, in Dell Rapids.
The Quarriers jumped out to an early 6-0 lead through the first half of the first quarter. Dell Rapids was able to maintain that lead through the rest of the first quarter and led 11-6 at the end of the quarter. Dell Rapids was able to push their lead to 23-11 by the 4:00 mark in the second quarter as the offense continued to roll. The Quarriers had a 12-point lead at halftime at 32-20.
Sioux Falls Christian opened up the third quarter scoring the first six points to pull within 32-26. The Chargers were able to cut the lead to 39-34 with 2:20 left in the quarter, but Dell Rapids scored the final four points of the quarter to extend the lead to 43-34 at the end of the third quarter. The Quarriers maintained a cushion throughout much of the fourth quarter, even extending the lead to 53-42 after a three-point basket by Arial Hoffman with 3:34 to go in the game.
The Chargers however were not about to go away quietly. Sioux Falls Christian went on a 12-0 to take their first lead of the game at 54-53 with :30 after a layup by Kensi Brands. The Chargers added another point from the free throw line to lead 55-53 with just :16 left in the game. Dell Rapids in the final possession of regulation was able to draw up a play that allowed Brittney Siemonsma to hit the game-tying layup to send the game to overtime. The Chargers hit the first basket of overtime to regain the lead at 57-55, but Dell Rapids scored the final six points of the game to pick up the win.
Dell Rapids was led by Averi Pankonen with 19 points. Siemonsma added 14 points, and Emma Paul finished with 10 points. The Chargers were led by Shelby Zomermaand with 19 points.
The Quarriers improve to 1-0 on the year. Dell Rapids will travel to Salem to take on McCook Central/Montrose on Monday, December 15th.