On the opening night of the 2018-2019 boys basketball season, the West Central Trojans came to Dell Rapids and upset the Quarriers 54-50 on Friday, December 7th.
After an early 6-2 lead by West Central, the Quarriers went on a 13-2 run through much of the first quarter for a 15-8 lead. Dell Rapids pushed the lead to 25-16 with under three minutes to play in the second quarter, but the Trojans ended the quarter on an 10-2 to close within a point at 27-26 by halftime.
The Quarriers pushed the lead back to seven points at 35-28 in the first three minutes of the third quarter. West Central again rallied by outscoring Dell Rapids 13-4 the rest of the quarter for a 41-39 lead. The two teams were tied at 41-41 and 43-43 early in the fourth quarter. Dell Rapids took the lead at 45-43 with 4:44 to play after two free throws by Connor Rentz. After three straight points by West Central, Logan Ellingson made a layup with 3:38 to go to give Dell Rapids a 47-46 edge. Jackson Miller tied the game for the Trojans with a free throw, but Logan Heim got a put back shot to fall through with just under 3:00 to go for a 49-47 lead. Ellingson made one of two free throws with 2:21 to play to extend the Quarrier lead at 50-47. The Trojans, however, scored the final seven points, capped by a Jaxon Skinner hook shot with :10 to go to seal the victory.
Ellingson led the Quarrier offense with 16 points. Connor Rentz added 11 points. Heim finished with 13 rebounds in the game. Drew Van Regenmorter had 11 rebounds and three assists. Miller led West Central with 16 points, and Hunter Hagerty added 13 points.
Dell Rapids (0-1) will travel to Tea for a double-header with the Titans on Friday, December 14th. Both games can be seen on Big Sioux Media.