RAPID CITY -- Big Dakota all-conference selection Blake Volmer led the Winner Warriors with 14 points as they took down Lakota Tech 60-53 on Friday to advance to the Class A consolation bracket championship game at The Monument in Rapid City.
Winner (23-2) looked ready to run away with the game after jumping out to a seven-point lead after the first quarter, but Lakota Tech fought back to tie the game by halftime.
The rebounding battle was the difference as Winner outrebounded Lakota Tech (16-7) 40-33, including a 12-5 advantage on the offensive glass. The Warriors turned those extra possessions into 14 second-chance points.
Volmer finished with a double-double, adding 15 rebounds to his 14-point performance. Lakota Tech’s Triston LeBeau had a double-double as well, leading all scorers with 24 points along with 10 rebounds.
Winner moves on to the consolation championship game against the Sioux Falls Christian Chargers. Lakota Tech, looking for its first state tournament win in the school’s second year of existence, will face the Groton Area Tigers for seventh place.
