STURGIS, S.D. — The Belle Fourche Lady Broncs used a trapping zone defense and hot shooting to blowout the Sturgis Scoopers on Friday night at West Gym, 55-15.
The Lady Broncs sprinted out to a 21-5 lead after the first quarter and extended the lead to 39-7 at the half. The Scoopers shot 18% from the field in the first half, only converting three field goals on 16 attempts. Belle Fourche outscored Sturgis 12-2 in the third quarter on their way to the win.
It was the fifth game in eight days for the Scoopers and their fatigue showed in all aspects of the game.
“These kids are so worn out,” said Scooper head coach Courtney Pool. “The zone defense is going to be our Achilles heel. We’re definitely going to have to figure out how to get better looks at the basket and move the ball better. Defensively we’re a lot better than that. I still love my team. They’re good kids and they’re not quitters. So I know one thing, they’re going to come back in here on Monday, we’re going to get to work and we’re going to keep trying to get better at the things we’re not good at.”
The Scoopers face Rapid City Christian next Tuesday at home. The Lady Comets have one of the best Class A basketball players in the state in Olivia Kieffer, who has already committed to play at the University of South Dakota.
“It doesn’t get an easier for us, the beginning of our schedule is super tough, and then we have quite a few games that we can win,” Pool said. “And so the hope is that these girls can keep competing, stay together, keep their chemistry and we just get a little bit better every time we get out there.”
The Scoopers (0-5) made seven field goals in 30 attempts for 23% and did not shoot a free throw. Sturgis had 22 turnovers and nine rebounds. Novali Dinkins scored four points for the Scoopers and Keeley Heikes added three.
Belle Fourche (3-1) was led by Mataya Ward, who made seven of 11 field goals and scored 17 points. Dylan Stedellie and Sloan Young chpped in nine apiece. The Lady Broncs were 24 of 49 from the field for 48% and five of 10 from the free throw line for 50%. Belle Fourche committed 12 turnovers and snared 26 rebounds.
