The Sioux Falls Christian Chargers took advantage of some offensive struggles by the Dell Rapids Quarriers in the middle quarters and defeated the Quarriers 64-52 in the semifinal round of the South Dakota State A Tournament on Friday, March 19th.
The Quarriers found themselves down by six points early in the first quarter, 10-4, but ended the first on an 8-2 run to end the first quarter tied 12-12. Dell Rapids took their first and only lead of the game, 15-14, after a Landon Ruesink free throw with 6:12 to play in the second quarter. The Chargers went on a 5-0 run and eventually pushed the lead to nine points, 28-19 with 2:01 to go in the half. Connor Rentz scored the final two points of the half, and the Quarriers trailed 28-21 at halftime.
Sioux Falls Christian took advantage of the shots not falling for the Quarriers in the third quarter. The Chargers extended their lead to as many as 16 points, 46-30, with just under a minute to play in the third quarter. They led 48-33 heading into the final quarter. Dell Rapids could not get any closer than 12 points in the fourth quarter. The Quarriers trailed 50-38 with 5:10 in the game after two free-throws by Connor Rentz, but every time Dell Rapids tried to make a run, the Chargers shut the door and extended their lead.
Dell Rapids shot just 34% (17-50) from the field, only 22% (4-18) from three-point area, and 67% (14-21) from the free-throw line. The Quarriers were out-rebounded 40-27 by the Chargers.
Colin Rentz had 19 points, five rebounds, and three assists. Connor Rentz had 13 points and four rebounds. Coby Maeschen had six points and six rebounds. Brayden Pankonen had five points. Carter Nelson and Ruesink both finished with three points each.
Dell Rapids (17-7) will play in the 3rd/4th place game against Dakota Valley on Saturday, March 20th at 5:00 p.m.