By ML Headrick
Moody County Enterprise
MILLER – The stands were full of fans wearing purple and gold at the SoDak 16 game between Stanley County and Flandreau held Tuesday, March 10 in Miller.
“We competed hard, but didn’t make enough plays to win the game,” said Flier Coach Brendan Sheppard.
Only trailing early at 0-2, the Buffaloes emerged as the 54-45 victors over the Fliers and head to the State Class A boys basketball tournament this weekend in Rapid City.
“We missed some shots we should have made and then gave up a few too many offensive rebounds,” Sheppard added.
Flandreau found themselves down 10-6 after a period of play and at the half, 26-18.
The Fliers outscored the Buffaloes 12-4 to open the third tying the game before their shooting went cold failing to take advantage of a pair of steals. They were held scoreless the final four and one half minutes of the third period allowing Stanley County to break the tie and lead after three quarters, 36-30.
Midway through the fourth quarter Kody Kneebone fouled out with the Fliers down by 10. Flandreau was forced to foul to gain possession, and the Buffaloes finished out the game netting 7 of 12 free throws to take the win.
Seniors led the Fliers on the Miller court in their final game. Luke Sheppard scored 13 points and had 10 assists and seven rebounds. Kneebone closed the game with 10 points and five boards before fouling out. Alex Poitra scored nine, Xavier Bien, six and Jadon Eng five points.
The Buffaloes swiped down 34 rebounds to the Fliers’ 22. The Buffaloes shot 43 percent to the Fliers’ 38.
Paxton Deal led Stanley County with 20 points.
The Fliers closed the season with a record of 15 wins and 8 losses with six of those losses to teams that are either in Class A or Class B state tournaments.
“We had a fantastic year and created many great memories. Just came up a little short in our last game.”
The game was also the final one for Coach Sheppard at the helm as he announced he would be stepping down at season’s end.
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