The No. 4‑ranked Spearfish Spartans remained perfect on the season Thursday night, defeating No. 4 (Class A) Mahpiya Luta 54–39 in front of a packed and energized Sader Dome. The victory moves Spearfish to 7–0 and marks its first win of the year over a team with a winning record, while also delivering the Crusaders their first loss of the season.
Spearfish’s defense set the tone from the opening tip, holding Mahpiya Luta to season lows across the board: 31 percent shooting from the field, 12 percent from three, and 50 percent at the free‑throw line. The Spartans jumped out to a 12–5 lead after the first quarter, capitalizing on gaps in the Crusaders’ 2‑3 zone. The highlight of the opening frame came on an alley‑oop from junior point guard Mason Southern to senior Kamren Davis, energizing the Spearfish bench and crowd.
Mahpiya Luta responded in the second quarter, outscoring Spearfish 17–10 behind freshman standout Riley Brave, who scored seven in the period and reached 10 by halftime to lead all scorers at the break.
The third quarter proved decisive. Spearfish tightened its defensive pressure, holding Mahpiya Luta to just six points while erupting for 19 of its own. Southern took over offensively, scoring nine of his game‑high 13 points in the second half. The Spartans also controlled the glass, limiting second‑chance opportunities and dictating the pace.
Mahpiya Luta’s offense never recovered, going cold from the field and struggling with turnovers, finishing with 19 for the game. Spearfish maintained its advantage in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Crusaders 13–11 to secure the 54–39 win.
Brave led all scorers with 17 points, showcasing his potential as one of the rising young players in Class A. Spearfish junior Kade Vavruska, the team’s leading scorer on the season, finished with 11 points, while Southern’s 13 earned him the Superior Performer Award, presented by Superior Auto Solutions of Spearfish.
Mahpiya Luta (10–1) will look to bounce back Saturday when it travels to Belle Fourche (1–10) for another Black Hills Conference matchup.
Spearfish (7–0) now turns its attention to another top‑five Class A opponent, heading to Rapid City on Tuesday to face No. 5 St. Thomas More (8–2). The game will air on KDSJ‑TV on YouTube and Black Hills Gold Hits: KDSJ Facebook Live.
Rewatch Tuesday’s game HERE: https://www.youtube.com/live/uMROyCN_2o8?si=n5XYeLgDh1jFaQzB
