News
»Bennett County falls in District opener
Posted Local at Mar 09, 2011
Grant Strain
St. Francis earned revenge for an early season defeat, pounding Bennett County 77-49 in the first round of the Districts at St. Francis March 1.
The host Warriors and visiting Warriors were tied at 12 after the first quarter. St. Francis scored first on an Austin Prue jumper, but Bennett County responded to tie the game at two on a nice move by Grant Strain.
It was an exciting back and fourth opening quarter with four ties and four lead changes. Darwin Walking Eagle scored the final eight St. Francis points of the quarter, while Grant Strain scored five and Ryan Risse four for Bennett County.
Bennett County responded to St. Francis’ quick five points with points from Ryan Risse and Grant Strain for a 17-16 St. Francis lead.
A Mike Boltz three pointer shot the lead to five, but back to back scores by Dayre Evans and Eli Livermont for Bennett County made it a one point game again.
A key point in the game was when Bennett County’s Grant Strain went down with a sprained ankle with three minutes to go in the half and the at 23-20. St. Francis forced Bennett County into a couple of mistakes that they converted into points, the last on a three pointer at the buzzer by Isaiah Snead/Weasel Bear and the hosts quickly took a 10 point lead to the half at 35-25.
In the third quarter, St. Francis used excellent ball movement and drove to the hoop time and again for scores, going on a 10-2 run and shooting to a 45-29 lead with 4:28 to play in the third.
Grant Strain went back in the game in the third quarter and scored the final eight Bennett County points, but it was not enough to keep pace with St. Francis as they put up 22 in the quarter to 15 for Bennett County, making it a 57-40 game heading to the final frame.
With a 20-9 advantage in the final quarter, St. Francis avenged an early season loss to Bennett County with a convincing 77-49 win.
Grant Strain led Bennett County with 25 points. Dayre Evans, who was battling the flu, scored 9 points on limited playing time. Eli Livermont and Ryan Risse scored 6 points each, Kaipo Heath 2 and Wade Porch 1.
The Bennett County Warriors shot 5 for 15 on free throws to add to their misery.
St. Francis’ Darwin Walking Eagle had a big night with 30 points.