Spearfish secured a 32–29 win over Yankton on Friday night, using a disciplined defensive effort to prevail on Senior Night and improve to 11–8 on the season. The victory marks the Spartans’ fifth straight over the Gazelles and their first win this year without reaching the 40‑point mark.
Both teams struggled to generate offense early, ending the first quarter tied 7–7. Yankton carried a 15–14 lead into halftime after a late three‑pointer from leading scorer Eden Wolfgram.
Spearfish senior Kate Scharf, the team’s top scorer this season, was limited in the first half after picking up three early fouls. In her absence, Anna Eisenbarth provided a lift with seven points before the break, earning Superior Performer of the Game honors.
Neither team found consistent scoring opportunities as defensive pressure defined the matchup. Yankton forced turnovers and held Spearfish to cold shooting stretches, while the Spartans countered by disrupting the Gazelles’ guards and controlling the boards. Wolfgram, who entered averaging more than 14 points per game, was held to just five.
Spearfish led 24–23 entering the fourth quarter and maintained control by continuing to limit Yankton’s looks at the basket. In the final minute, senior Adelyn Bouman sealed the win with key free throws as the Gazelles were unable to convert a tying shot.
Yankton was led by Jordyn Kudera with nine points, followed by Josslyn Elwood with seven and Wolfgram with five.
Bouman paced Spearfish with eight points, while Eisenbarth added seven. Scharf finished with five, and Sierra Sandford and Tiersyn Grubb each contributed four.
The win moves Spearfish to 10th in the Class AA power‑point standings. With teams ahead of them idle on Friday, the Spartans appear likely to remain in that range entering postseason play.
Spearfish closes its regular season Saturday against Brookings, with coverage on KDSJ‑TV on YouTube and KDSJ’s Facebook page. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.
Yankton (7–12) concludes its regular season Saturday at Douglas.
Replay: https://www.youtube.com/live/lmHTlrE-bnA?si=taYDrsC4zNwvuQnK
