LEAD, S.D. — The Sturgis Scooper girls picked up their first win of the season in a drubbing of Lead-Deadwood, 58-9 in the first game of a doubleheader in the Mile High City.
The Scoopers jumped out to a 14-2 lead at the end of the first quarter on seven quick points by Cali Ewing and five from Addison Jolley, then extended their lead to 27-5 at the half.
Senior sharpshooter Keeley Heikes got hot in the second half, dropping in two long range three-pointers and the Scoopers outscored the Golddiggers 31-4 in the half to secure the win.
Sturgis (1-8) made 23 of 60 shots from the field for 38% and seven of 16 free throws for 43%. The Scoopers had 12 turnovers and 31 rebounds and were led by Ewing with 11 points. Heikes added 10 points and three rebounds with Jolley and Landry Haugen chipping in eight points apiece.
The Lady Golddigers (1-10) shot 14% from the field and 50% from the free throw line and were led by Delaney Mattson with three points.
The Scooper boys came into Friday night’s game on a four-game losing streak, looking for their third win of the season. Sturgis trailed Lead-Deadwood early but battled back to take a 16-11 lead after one quarter.
Sophomore forward Ryan Heinert came out cold, hitting only one of seven shots from the field in the first, a three-pointer, and one of four free throws. Heinert caught fire in the second, splashing in three threes and a field goal and had 15 points at the half. The Scoopers led the Golddiggers 40-26 at intermission.
Sturgis shot the lights out and clamped down defensively in the third quarter, holding Lead-Deadwood to just six points and exploding for 25 of their own to lead 65-32 headed into the fourth. The Scoopers made 11 of 19 field goals in the third quarter, including two more three-pointers by Heinert. Both teams brought in reserves in the fourth and the Scoopers cruised to a 68-41 victory.
Sturgis (3-5) shot 45% from the field, making 26 of 57 shots and 40% from the charity stripe, canning eight of 20. Heinert led all scorers with 21 points, including six three-pointers. Jake Vliem had a double-double for the Scoopers, scoring 18 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.
Lead-Deadwood (3-8) made 11 of 44 shots from the field for 25% and shot 17 of 27 from the free throw line for 62%. Crew Rainey had 17 for the Golddiggers, with sophomore Beau Wichterman adding 15.
The Scoopers travel to Hill City on Tuesday to take on the Rangers at Coach Gins Court. The girls tip-off is scheduled for 6pm.
