STURGIS, SD – The Sturgis Scooper girls basketball team used a physical style of basketball, clutch shooting and a stifling defense to stun the Aberdeen Central Golden Eagles on Saturday afternoon at West Gym, 49-34.
The Golden Eagles defeated Spearfish on Friday night and came to Sturgis with a 1-2 record. Aberdeen Central opened up the game with a quick 5-0 lead, but the Scoopers went on a 9-0 run the rest of the first quarter to lead 9-5 at the end of the stanza.
The teams traded leads throughout the second quarter, as Golden Eagle sharpshooter Anna Malchow dropped in a long-range three pointer and a two-point bucket to give Aberdeen Central a 20-17 lead. Scooper senior Joellen Cano was also dialed in from long range as she splashed in two threes of her own as the quarter ended, giving Sturgis a 23-20 lead at the half.
The Scoopers never relinquished that lead in the second half, outscoring the Golden Eagles 16-7 in the third quarter. The Sturgis defense was stout, holding Aberdeen Central to just two field goals and two free throws in the quarter. Sturgis senior Tatum Lightenberg scored eight of her 14 points in the third, giving the Scoopers a 39-27 lead headed into the fourth.
Sturgis kept their foot on the gas pedal throughout the fourth quarter, with senior Kaylee Whatley scoring four points and forcing several Golden Eagle turnovers to lead the Scoopers to a 49-34 win.
“We played as well as we could considering we had three post players out,” said Scooper head coach Jordan Proefrock. “Tatum (Lightenberg) and Kaylee (Whatley) played liked seniors and stepped up big time. (Joellen) Cano knocking down threes helped a ton. Our team defensive effort was great. It’s a great win for our program.”
Whatley and Lightenberg led the Scoopers in scoring with 14 points each. Cano added 11 points, including three three-pointers. Sturgis shot 40% from the field and 66% from the free throw line, with 13 turnovers and 17 rebounds.
Golden Eagle post player Kiana Mounga was 8 of 9 from the free throw line and led Aberdeen Central with 16 points and five boards. The Golden Eagles shot 18% from the field and 85% from the free throw line, with 19 turnovers and 22 rebounds.
The Scooper boys traveled to Aberdeen Central on Saturday and dropped their fourth straight game, 64-30.
The Scooper girls (1-3) and boys (0-4) are in action next Tuesday as they host the Rapid City Stevens Raiders at West Gym. It’s Ugly Christmas Sweater night at West Gym so wear your most hideous holiday outfit to the game.
