SPEARFISH, SD – The Scoopers came into Tuesday night’s matchup with Spearfish needing wins to keep their postseason hopes alive, but the Spartans used hot shooting and a home court advantage to defeat Sturgis 82-51 in the girls game, and 57-36 in the boys contest.
The Scooper girls entered Tuesday night’s game at #18 in the seed point standings with a 3-12 record. Sturgis needed a victory to move up in the seed point standings with hopes to make the top 16 teams and the postseason.
Spearfish freshman Mya Kochutin came out hot in the first, nailing a three and scoring seven in the quarter. The officials called a tight game from the jump, hitting Scooper senior Kaylee Whatley with two offensive fouls early and limiting her to just two points in the first half. Stella Marcus had the hot hand for Spearfish in the second quarter, draining three threes and scoring 12 points to give the Spartans a 37-23 lead at the half.
The scoring onslaught continued for Spearfish after the break as they made seven of 13 shots from the field and dropped in 25 points to extend their lead to 62-34 after three. Marcus was honored midway through the third as she scored her 1,000th career point for Spearfish.
Sturgis couldn’t gain any ground in the fourth quarter and the Spartans cruised to an 82-51 victory.
Reece Ludwick led Sturgis (3-13) with 17 points and 13 rebounds. Marcus had six three-pointers and 25 points for Spearfish (5-9).
The boys contest started with a slam, as Spearfish sophomore Brayden Delahoyde gathered the opening tip, drove past his defender and threw down a two handed dunk to get the home crowd on their feet. Delahoyde stole a pass on the next possession and dunked again, this time hanging on the rim too long and getting a technical foul. Owen Cass made one of two free throws and Spearfish led 4-1 early.
Spartan freshman Ryan Heinert scored three free throws and made a three pointer in the second to lead Spearfish to a 27-22 lead at the half.
It was all Spearfish in the second half as they outscored Sturgis 30-14 to improve their record to 6-8 on the season with the 57-36 win.
The Scoopers fall to 3-13 and the loss keeps Sturgis at #17 in the seed point standings, more than a point behind Rapid City Central, who sits in 16th place.
Seth Hamilton led Spearfish with 15 points. Gavin Lightenberg and Cass both had eight for Sturgis.
The Scooper boys and girls are in action next on Friday at West Gym against Hot Springs. Girls game is scheduled for 6:30pm.
