BOX ELDER, SD – The Sturgis Scoopers traveled to Douglas High School on Saturday afternoon for a doubleheader with the Patriots, winning one and losing one in Black Hills Conference basketball action.
The Scooper girls trailed early to the Patriots but fought back to take a 14-12 lead after one quarter behind Avreigh Long’s 10 points. Sturgis outscored Douglas 16-7 in the second quarter and led 30-19 at the half.
The Scoopers used balanced scoring in the third to extend their lead. Leigha Long scored eight, Kierra Killinger had five and Tori Williams chipped in four in the third quarter and Sturgis led 49-25 headed into the fourth.
Both Douglas and Sturgis brought in reserves in the fourth and the Scoopers closed out the victory, 51-29 to snap a two game losing streak.
Sturgis (2-2) shot 23% from the field and made 14-of-24 free throws for 58%. The Scoopers committed 12 turnovers and had 35 rebounds. Avreigh Long finished with 17 points to lead Sturgis.
Douglas (0-5) shot 22% from the field, converted 9-of-18 charity tosses, made 31 turnovers and snared 26 rebounds. Olivia Harris scored seven points for the Patriots.
The boys matchup was an intense, back and forth battle as Douglas took an early lead that they never relinquished. The Patriots led 20-13 after one quarter and 33-23 at the half. The game was paused with 2:21 left before halftime when Scooper forward Ryan Heinert made a free throw, scoring his 1,000th career point. A game ball was presented to Heinert and the crowd stood and cheered to honor his accomplishment.
Sturgis cranked up the defensive pressure and cut the Patriot lead to 40-35 after three quarters but couldn’t seem to put the ball in the hoop in the final stanza. Douglas pulled away in the fourth to earn the 56-45 victory.
Douglas (2-2) was led by Isaiah Brewer with 21 points. Brock Morgan chipped in 17 on 7-of-8 shooting from the field. The Patriots shot 47% from the field and the free throw line, grabbed 26 rebounds and committed 14 turnovers.
Sturgis (2-3) shot 24% from the field, making only 15-of-62 shots. The Scoopers were 12-of-16 from the free throw line for 75% and had nine turnovers and 27 boards. Heinert finished with 15 points and eight rebounds for Sturgis.
The Scoopers are in action next on Friday night at West Gym as they host Rapid City Christian.
