SIOUX FALLS — It was another head-scratcher of a game for Mount Vernon/Plankinton’s boys basketball team on Friday.
The Titans were the better shooting team against St. Thomas More and held their opponent to only 16.7% shooting in the second half but still trailed almost the entire game in a 65-57 Class A state tournament consolation round loss to the Cavaliers at the Premier Center.
“I was pleased with our effort. We showed some guts and some character,” MVP coach Eric Denning said. “The first half, they just shot the ball really well from the perimeter and we defended those well. But we struggled a little bit offensively and they’re a good defensive team and took away some of what we really like to do.”
The No. 2 seed in the tournament, STM (21-3) led 21-11 after one quarter and 43-26 at the halftime intermission, powered by a 16-for-27 shooting effort at nearly 60%, including 8-for-14 on 3-pointers. Things turned on a dime in the second half, with the Cavaliers making only three field goals (3-for-18) and missing every field goal attempted in the fourth quarter (0-for-7).
“We just weren't very aggressive and that carried over to the foul line. We did enough to hold on and I’m proud of the kids,” said STM coach Dave Hollenbeck, who earned his 500th career win on Friday.
ADVERTISEMENT
His son, Caleb, finished with 28 points and 10 rebounds, his second huge game in a row after scoring 32 points in a buzzer-beater overtime loss to Elk Point-Jefferson on Thursday. Lee Neugebauer scored 16 points for the Cavaliers.
“They were hurt and it was a tough loss (on Thursday),” coach Hollenbeck said. “We come here to try to win the championship and it’s tough on the kids. But they had a great first half and came out and shot the ball with confidence.”
MVP (18-7) finished the game with a 40-18 edge in points in the paint and shot 53.2% from the field. The Titans steadily cut into the Cavs' lead in the fourth quarter, including getting to within five points with 2:35 remaining but the Titans never inched closer.
Reed Rus led MVP with 18 points on 7-for-9 shooting and six rebounds but fouled out with 4:27 left in the game. Jordan Stoltz had 17 points on 8-for-14 shooting and six rebounds and Zach Baker added 11 points, while Mason Hetland had eight rebounds. The Titans were 2-for-8 on free throws, while STM finished 18-for-31 at the free-throw stripe.
“We’re disappointed in the loss but we’re happy with how we battled and showed some toughness in the game,” Denning said.
MVP will end the season at noon on Saturday taking on Hot Springs for seventh place in Class A, while STM will face Sioux Valley for fifth place on Saturday.
The Trust Project
