STURGIS, SD – The St. Thomas More Cavaliers, ranked #4 in the latest Class A boys basketball poll, escaped West Gym with a 46-39 win over the Sturgis Scoopers.
The Scoopers led STM 9-8 after one quarter and 22-16 at the half. Â The Sturgis defense held Cavalier sharpshooter Caleb Hollenbeck to just eight points on 3-of-9 shooting in the first half.
Scooper sophomore Ryan Heinert had just two points at the half, but came alive in the third quarter, canning eight points. Sturgis maintained a 33-29 lead headed into the fourth.
Hollenbeck caught fire in the final quarter, nailing two three’s and making 5-of-6 free throws, helping the Cavs outscore the Scoopers, 17-6 and securing the win.
Hollenbeck led all scorers with 27 points and 10 rebounds. St. Thomas More (14-1) made 16-of-44 shots from the field for 36% and 11-of-12 charity tosses for 91%. Â The Cavs had six turnovers and 25 rebounds, seven of those offensive.
Sturgis (4-6) was led by Heinert, who finished with 13 points. Tyan Buus chipped in 11 points, including two three pointers. Â The Scoopers shot 34% from the field, making 14-of-41 shots and were 5-of-12 from the free throw line for 41%. Sturgis had eight turnovers and 20 rebounds, four of those offensive.
The Scooper boys travel to Mitchell to take on the #3 ranked Kernels on Friday night, then battle the Huron Tigers on Saturday. The Scooper girls host Mitchell on Friday night and Huron on Saturday afternoon.
