Spearfish leaned on toughness, defense, and a dominant second half Tuesday night, grinding out a 54–44 win over Rapid City Christian to improve to 14–2 and close out Black Hills Conference play with a 10–1 record.
The Spartans had to earn it. Rapid City Christian opened the game with seven straight points, slowed the pace, and held Spearfish to its lowest scoring first quarter of the season. The Comets’ physicality disrupted the Spartans’ transition game and created early frustration as Spearfish trailed 12–4 after one.
The second quarter finally brought some rhythm. Spearfish adjusted to the Comets’ style and chipped away, outscoring Christian 17–12 in the frame. Bennett Kortan and Kade Vavruska each had six by halftime, helping the Spartans pull within 24–21 at the break. Christian’s Henry Koppman led all scorers at the half with seven.
The turning point came in the third quarter. Spearfish matched the Comets’ physicality and flipped the game with defensive pressure. Kortan sparked the surge with nine points in the period, much of it created off turnovers forced by himself and the rest of the Spartan defense. Spearfish outscored Christian 15–10 in the quarter to take a 36–32 lead.
The Spartans carried that momentum into the fourth. Transition opportunities finally opened up, and Spearfish capitalized. Vavruska added six more, while Mason Southern delivered all seven of his points in the final frame to help the Spartans pull away.
Kortan finished with a team high 17 points and once again showcased why he’s considered one of the premier defenders in Class AA. He held Comets standout guard Sully Kieffer — one of their top scoring threats — to just five points. His two way performance earned him Superior Performer honors.
The win also snapped a four game losing streak to Rapid City Christian.
The Comets dropped to 10–8 and will host Rapid City Central on Saturday. Spearfish, now up to No. 4 in the Class AA Power Points as of Feb. 18, heads east to face Brandon Valley (9–7) on Friday. The matchup will air on KDSJ 980 AM, 103.5 FM, kdsj980.com, the KDSJ Sports Mobile App, and will stream on KDSJ TV on YouTube and Facebook Live.
Replay: https://www.youtube.com/live/zhr8d-Z5HB4?si=Fnb9ixjW0ibqbEjd
