Spearfish (11-2) used a dominant fourth quarter to pull away from Mitchell (6-8) on Saturday, defeating the defending Class AA runner‑up 60–44 and snapping a seven‑game losing streak to the Kernels.
The Spartans broke an 11–11 tie early in the second quarter and never trailed again, maintaining control for most of the afternoon. Mitchell stayed within striking distance late in the third quarter, closing the gap to 44–38 on a long step‑back jumper by Lincoln Bottum, but Spearfish quickly shut the door.
The Spartans opened the fourth quarter with a 6–0 run to push the lead to double digits, eventually stretching the margin to 18 points in the final minutes. Spearfish’s defensive pressure proved decisive, as the Spartans forced 19 Mitchell turnovers and turned them into a 26–12 advantage in points off turnovers.
Kade Vavruska led Spearfish with 20 points, while Mason Southern added 15 points and four assists. He was awarded his second-straight player of the game honor. Cooper Gibbs contributed 10 points and four rebounds, and Kamren Davis scored eight. Bennett Kortan finished with five points, five assists, and three steals, helping fuel the Spartans’ second‑half surge.
Mitchell, now 6–8, shot 41.9% from the field but went 0-for-11 from three‑point range. Owen Raml led the Kernels with 11 points and three steals, while Collin Weier added 10 points and eight rebounds. Colton Smith finished with eight points and four rebounds, and Owen Schelske scored seven off the bench.
Spearfish improved to 11–2 with the win and continues to climb in the Class AA standings. They host the Sturgis Scoopers on Tuesday in a rivalry game, which will be broadcast on KDSJ Radio, kdsj980.com, and KDSJ-TV.
Mitchell returns home on Tuesday to host Aberdeen Central.
Replay: https://www.youtube.com/live/ElUuIQGhdEw?si=IE0oi03ozFJz98Cd
