The Dell Rapids Quarriers had their season come to an end in the Region 3A semi-finals on Thursday, March 2nd, against the Sioux Falls Christian Chargers at the Elmen Center. The Chargers defeated the Quarriers 71-54.
Both teams started the game on little runs, and the first quarter ended with the scored tied at 13-13. Sioux Falls Christian was able to make a run late in the second quarter and pulled away from Dell Rapids at 31-21 by halftime. The Quarriers came out of halftime with energy and cut the lead to four points early in the third quarter. The Chargers, however, quietly and methodically pulled away from Dell Rapids and led 49-36 by the end of the third quarter. Sioux Falls Christian was almost automatic from the free throw line in the fourth quarter, and was 20-24 in the game. The Chargers outscored Dell Rapids 22-18 in the final period for the win.
Dell Rapids was led by Jeffrey Schuch with 15 points. Austin Ellingson added 11 points. Tanner Heim finished the game with 11 points and five rebounds. Sheldon Siemonsma also finished in double figures with 10 points. Dell Rapids shot 39% (20-51) from the field and 63% (10-16) from the free-throw line. Sioux Falls Christian was led by Mitchell Goodbary with 19 points, and Dejay Fykstra with 13 points.
Sioux Falls Christian will advance to the Sweet 16 and will play Sisseton on Tuesday, March 7th.
The Madison Bulldogs also advanced to the Sweet 16 with a 70-52 win over the Flandreau Fliers in the opening game of the night. Madison was led by Aaron Fiegen with 29 points, and Riley Janke had 14 points. Flandreau was led by Dalyn Bakkedahl with 21 points and Dylan LeBrun with 20 points. Madison will play Hot Springs in the Sweet 16 round also on Tuesday, March 7th.