SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Sturgis Scooper boys basketball team gave Sioux Falls Roosevelt all they could handle in the first half – but a cold shooting second half gave the Rough Riders the push they needed to advance to the state tournament.
The Scoopers started strong as Gavin Ligtenberg and Ryan Heinert each hit 3-pointers early and held Roosevelt to just 9 points in the first quarter.
Sturgis led 13-9 heading into the second as Roosevelt would kick it up a notch and outscore the Scoops 13-9. The two teams went into the halftime locker room tied at 22 a piece.
On the first play of the third quarter, Sturgis guard Tyan Buus landed awkwardly on an ankle, and needed help to get off the court. Buus would not return and the Scoopers could never find the rhythm they had in the first half.
Roosevelt would go on an 18-9 run in the third to take the lead for good, and they went on to win 54-40.
Ryan Heinert led Sturgis in scoring with 9 points followed by Jake Vliem with 8.
The Scoopers end the season with a 10-10 record. Roosevelt advances to the boys Class AA State Tournament in Rapid City March 16-18.
