The Dell Rapids Quarrier boys basketball team lost their opening round game of the Big Sioux Conference tournament to the Sioux Falls Christian Chargers 54-39 on Thursday, January 3rd, in Sioux Falls. Dell Rapids trailed by just four points at halftime, 18-14, but the Chargers outscored the Quarriers by 11 in the second half for the victory.
Dell Rapids struggled a little bit on offense, shooting just 33% (16-43) from the field, 10% (1-10) from three-point area, and 46% (6-13) from the free throw line. The Chargers also forced 17 turnovers while only committing six of their own. Dell Rapids was led by Bryce Koch with eight points, 11 rebounds and three blocked shots. Matt Kolbeck added seven points and three assists. Ty Hoglund and Zane Schumaker each had five points in the game. The Chargers shot 46% (22-46) from the field, 50% (2-4) from three-point area, and 57% (8-14) from the free throw line. SF Christian was led by Jordan Baker with a game-high 19 points, and Carson Long and Cody Van Holland each had 11 points.
Head Coach Jason Fersdahl said that the team had a strong defensive effort in the first half but was unable to convert on the offensive end. Fersdahl said, “We need to play with more confidence on offense and that will continue to develop as our players get used to playing with one another and they adjust to some of the different things we are tying to do offensively. The bottom line is that we need to play with more emotion and confidence and that is lacking right now; we will work to improve this everyday in practice to improve our overall play as a team.”
Dell Rapids falls to 4-2 on the year will play Beresford in the second round of the Big Sioux Conference tournament at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, January 4th, at SF Christian High School. The final round of the tournament will be held in Beresford on Saturday, January 5th.