Top-seeded Aberdeen Christian jumped out to an early lead and cruised to a 5517 win over Britton-Hecla in Region 1B boys’ basketball tournament action last week Tuesday at the Aberdeen Civic Arena.
The Braves ended their season with a 3-18 mark, while the Knights improved to 19-2 and met Ipswich last night in a SoDak 16 game for a spot in the Class B state tournament in Aberdeen March 16-18.
Aberdeen Christian jumped out to a quick 10-0 lead and led 18-4 at the first quarter break, boosting that to 31-7 at halftime and 44-9 after three quarters.
Landon Carlson, Wyatt Tosse, and Dawson Treeby led the Braves with three points each.
“Aberdeen Christian is a different beast,” said B-H coach Troy Knecht. “I think they were the only team in the region that we couldn’t beat on the right night. Hats off to their seniors for putting all the time in and becoming who they are. I think they’re the best Class B team in the state.”
Looking back on a sometimes frustrating season, Knecht appreciated the fact that his club never gave up.
“We didn’t win as many games as I think we potentially could’ve, but our guys always gave effort. That’s ultimately (Continued on p9) what you want out of your team as a coach. I’m looking forward to next year and creating a more competitive environment.
“The program is coming along. We just need to keep working and spending time at the game and in the weight room. We graduate a bunch of seniors, so there will be openings for young kids to step into. We will find out who wants to spend time at the game this summer and who wants to compete. The spots are open. I’m hoping that really is a big incentive for some of these guys to get better.”
BRITTON-HECLA: Gage Storley 1 0-0 2, Luke Storley 1 0-0 2, Landon Carlson 1 0-0 3, BoDell Davidson 1 0-2 2, Wyatt Tosse 1 0-0 3, Dawson Treeby 0 3-4 3, William Schuller 1 0-0 2, Daniel Person 0 0-2 0. Totals 6 3-8 17.
ABERDEEN CHRISTIAN: Andrew Brennan 1 0-0 2, Jackson Isakson 3 0-0 8, Ethan Russell 5 0-0 10, Malek Wieker 5 0-0 13, Kaden Clark 5 0-0 10, Abe Holscher 1 0-0 3, Konnar Furman 1 0-0 2, Joey Johnson 1 2-4 4, Brendan Stapp 1 0-0 3. Totals 23 2-4 55.
B-H (3-18) 4 7 9 17 AC (19-2) 18 31 44 55 3-point goals - Carlson, Tosse; Isakson 2, Wieker 3, Holscher, Stapp. Total fouls – BH 9, AC 9.
