HOWARD, S.D. — A fast start and blistering shooting powered the Howard girls basketball team past Mitchell Christian on Thursday night in a 68-26 victory.
Powered by shooting nearly 68% in the first half and 65% in the entire game, the Tigers had a 23-5 first quarter edge and led 40-12 at the halftime break. A 23-4 third quarter edge provided an additional cushion for Howard (10-6), which earned its fourth win in the last five games.
Kate Connor had 18 points on 8-for-11 shooting for Howard, with Abby Aslesen posting 12 points and 10 rebounds. Trinity Palmquist had eight points, five steals and four assists and Jayden Jaynes had seven points and Tana Hoyer added six points. Howard finished the game 30-for-46 on field goals in the game, including 27-for-39 on two-point shots, and a 26-10 rebounding edge.
For Mitchell Christian, Audrey Hofer had a big offensive effort, scoring 21 of the team’s 26 points, on 9-for-18 shooting. Rebekah Strong had three points and Keely O’Neill scored two points for MCS, which shot 34.4% from the field and was held to 3-of-7 shooting on free throws.
Howard is back on the court on Monday, Feb. 7, hosting Menno. Mitchell Christian travels to Sunshine Bible Academy outside of Miller on Feb. 7.
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Tiger boys slow Golden Eagles, win seventh straight
HOWARD, S.D. — A strong offensive performance helped the Howard boys basketball team to its seventh consecutive win on Thursday night over Mitchell Christian by a score of 70-46.
Powered by 10 3-pointers in the game, the Tigers scored 23 points and 40 points in the first half. Five players scored at least eight points for Howard, led by Brayden Hinker’s 18 points and Luke Koepsell had 15 points. Jace Sifore had nine points, Will Maier and Ryder Erickson had eight points for Howard, which is now 12-2 and hosts Menno on Feb. 7.
For the Golden Eagles, Aiden Lieber and Micah Frey each had 11 points, with Braeden Nebelsick had nine points and Anders Enga had six points. Mitchell Christian made only four two-point shots but converted eight 3-pointers and was 14-for-18 on free-throw attempts.
“Tonight, the team played with really good energy and was competing for 32 minutes,” Mitchell Christian coach Jesse Tolsma said. “Howard has a strong program and will be competitive in the state landscape this year. I was proud of the fight our team played with tonight on the road.”
Mitchell Christian (5-11) plays at Sunshine Bible Academy on Monday, Feb. 7.
