Spartans Gain Momentum, Advance to Championship in 281 Conference Tourney

All eyes have been on the Wessington Springs Spartans after clinching the top seed in both girls and boys basketball ahead of the 281 Conference Tournament.

The Spartans girls raced past the Sunshine Bible Academy Crusaders 51-14 in the opening game of the 281 Conference girls’ basketball tournament to a 20-2 lead after the first quarter of play.  Avery Orth had 14 points, Carissa Scheel added 10 points and had six rebounds.

Tuesday afternoon the girls came out on top against James Valley Christian 41-39 in the 281 Conference tournament semifinal.  Scheel scored 19 points with Orth notching 13. Kerstynn Heim had 10 rebounds and Alyssa Grohs  recorded five assists.

The girls take on the Blackhawks for the 281 Conference title Thursday at Huron Arena. Tournament action begins for the Spartans at 6 p.m. 

Ranked first seed as they headed into 281 Conference Tournament play, the Springs boys improved to 7-1 after defeating Sunshine Bible 73-19 in the quarterfinals Monday after weather postponed boys basketball action Saturday.

During Monday’s tournament play, Parker Graff led scoring with 17 points and five steals, while Ryder Michalek and Colby Flowers each had 10 points. Brock Krueger and Michalek had four assists.

On Tuesday, the Spartans came back from behind at the half with a 58-56 win over James Valley Christian. Graff led with 29 points with Michalek adding 19 points. 

The boys will face off against the Blackhawks at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Huron Arena.