STURGIS, SD – The St. Thomas More Lady Cavaliers dictated the style of play against the Sturgis Scoopers on Thursday night, leading from buzzer to buzzer and earning a 41-29 victory.
The Scoopers knew they would have to take care of the basketball against STM’s high pressure defense to have a chance. The Lady Cavs woman-to-woman defense frustrated Sturgis early, forcing eight first quarter turnovers. STM led 15-7 headed into the second quarter.
The Lady Cavaliers could only manage one field goal in the second quarter, but converted seven of 10 free throws to extend the lead to 24-14 at intermission.
Sturgis forward Addy Kossler got hot in the third quarter, scoring five of the Scoopers nine points, cutting into the STM lead. The Lady Cavs took a 30-23 lead into the fourth.
The Scoops had trouble finding the bucket in the fourth quarter, only making two field goals and two free throws and St. Thomas More pulled away, defeating Sturgis 41-29.
Sturgis (5-5) was led by Kossler, who dropped in eight points and grabbed five rebounds. The Scoopers made nine of 45 field goals (20%), 11 of 18 free throws (61%), committed 27 turnovers and had 20 rebounds. Sturgis was 0-17 from three point range.
The Lady Cavaliers (10-5) got 15 points from Sloane Keszler and Leighton Scherr added 10. STM was 11-of-44 on field goals (25%) and 16-of-29 on free throws (55%). The Lady Cavs made 19 turnovers and snared 25 boards.
The Scooper boys and girls are both in action Friday night at West Gym as they host Mahpiya Luta (Red Cloud). The boys are up first and tip off is scheduled for 6pm.
