News
»Bennett County boys topple St. Francis
Posted Local at Jan 12, 2011
Colin Kuxhaus take the ball up court.
By Tim Huether
St. Francis rolled into Martin, sporting an impressive 5-1 record, but the host Warriors sent them home with their second loss with an impressive 61-45 win.
Bennett County played well at both ends, using a hustling defense to force tough shots for St. Francis and playing good team ball on offense.
While the home team had their offense working, St. Francis was cold from the field and was forced to start launching long distance shots as they found themselves down early and trailing by 20 entering the final quarter.
Bennett County jumped to quick 17-6 lead after one quarter with a balanced scoring attack led by Ryan Risse’s four points and Ryan Richards three. Six Bennett County players scored in the period.
St. Francis picked up their offense and defense a bit in the second quarter, out-scoring Bennett County 13-9 to trail by seven at the half, 26-19.
A solid third quarter for Bennett County extended the lead to 20 heading into the final quarter as Ryan Richards exploded for 14 points, including a trio of three pointers, putting Bennett County up 52-32.
St. Francis showed no signs of giving up and fought and hustled their way back to trail by nine with 2:15 to play, but Bennett County held off their rally for the 16 point win.
Ryan Richards led Bennett County with 19 points. Eli Livermont added 13, Ryan Risse 13, Grant Strain 8, Dayre Evans 4, Kaipo Heath 2 and Wade Porch 1.
Darwin Walking Eagle led all scorers with 20 point on the St. Francis side.
Bennett County coach Ken Soderlin was pleased with the performance of his team, saying, “We came out to play tonight.”
Soderlin complimented his team for playing a smart game and for taking care of the ball.
“We finally came together as a team,” said coach Soderlin. “Everyone got involved and we played up to our potential. I’m very please with the boys and it was a great win for them. St. Francis is a good team and always has a good program.”
Bennett County improved to 2-2 on the season. Their next action will be at the Jones County Tournament in Murdo Jan. 13 where they will face Kadoka in the first round at approx. 2 p.m. MT Bennett County is the second game of the day, following White River and Colome, which starts at 12 noon MT.
In the JV game, St. Francis and Bennett County were tied at 4 after one quarter, but St. Francis reeled off 10 straight points to put Bennett County in a hole. The visitors led by 20 heading to the final quarter and coasted to a 60-38 win.
Jacob Waln led the JV in scoring with 9 points and cousin Wade Porch tossed in 8. Jon McDonnell, Will Schulz and Kray Krolikowski added 4 each, Enos Poor Bear Jr 3, John O’Neill 2, Barry Toczek 2 and Keali’i Heath 2.