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A strong Wolsey-Wessington second half pushed the Warbirds past Mitchell Christian 47-42 in a boys basketball contest on Monday in Mitchell.
The Golden Eagles led 19-17 at halftime, but head coach Dennis Martin said his team couldn't find a way to pull out the win.
"It came down to their ability to get to the free throw line and our inability to do so," Martin said. "It came down to the final few possessions and our kids need to learn how to close out games."
Majok Kur led the Golden Eagles with 24 points, six rebounds and three blocks, while Ethan Cooper chipped in eight points. Mitchell Christian went 19-of-38 from the field for 50 percent shooting in the loss.
"I was proud of how we hung in there defensively," Martin said. "There were a few little things we need to get better at, but holding a team like that to 47 points is good for us, defensively. Offensively, we need to be stronger with the basketball but overall, I thought we grew as a team tonight."
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Darian Ogunjemiliusi scored 22 points to lead the Warbirds, who are receiving votes in the South Dakota Sportswriters Association Poll. Jarrett Weber added 13 points in the win.
Martin said his team will be ready for another tough test today. Mitchell Christian (2-2) hosts No. 5 Canistota today in Mitchell.
"Canistota is a very good team and we're going to have to bring our 'A' game," he said.
Wolsey-Wessington (5-1) plays James Valley Christian on Thursday in Huron.
MCS 10 19 33 42
WW 6 17 32 47
MCS (2-2)
Riley O'Neill 2-4 0-0 4 Alec Nelson 1-3 0-0 2 Ethan Cooper 2-8 3-4 8 Zach Bosworth 1-3 0-0 2 Majok Kur 12-17 0-3 24 Ty VanderPol 1-3 0-0 2 Christian Cooper 0-0 0-0 0 Totals 19-38 3-7 42
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WW
Darian Ogunjemiuls 22 Jarrett Weber 13 Bennitt White 6 Hunter Johnson 4 Riley Gohn 2
3-point goals: MCS 1 (E Cooper), Rebounds: MCS 18 (E Cooper 7 Kur 6), Steals MCS 4 (Nelson 3), Assists: MCS 10 (Bosworth 5 Kur 3), Blocks, MCS: 3 (Kur 3), Turnovers: MCS 12
