ONIDA, (KCCR) — After playing a doubleheader Saturday, the Sully Buttes Chargers hosted a doubleheader on their court for the first time this basketball season, and the tally was Philip racing past the Charger girls 58-37, while the Sully Buttes boys picked up a 69-53 victory over the Scotties. In the first game, the Charger girls’ plan was to use their low post size advantage, but the Lady Scotties used their speed and ball handling to flummox the Chargers offensive and defensive attack. After the first quarter Philip led 20-8, and 30-16 at the half. The Chargers got outscored 27-20 in the second half, and the Lady Scotties cruised to 3-2 on the year, while the Charger girls fell to 3-3. Leading scorer for Sully Buttes once again was Payge Bakker, who ended her night with 14 points–the only player in double figures for the Chargers. The Lady Scotties had balanced scoring, with junior Drew Terkildsen finished with 16, and Josie Jones added 12. The Lady Scotties forced Sully Buttes into 27 turnovers.
In the nightcap, the Charger boys raced out to a 21-8 lead, but Philip found their game in the second quarter, and pulled within seven points, trailing 33-26 at the half. The Chargers kept the pace fast and furious, and eventually pulled away to a 16 point victory. Wesley Wittler could not be stopped all night long, finishing with 36 points–with only two three point shots falling. Senior Eli Mercer added 10 for the 2-2 Charger boys. Philip was led by senior Talon Haines, who ended his night with 18, and Carson Fugate adding 15 for the 2-3 Scottie boys. Sully Buttes will now move into the new year for their next competition–with the girls hosting winless Aberdeen Christian at noon Saturday for JV action with the varsity to follow. The Charger boys will be off until Thursday, January 9th for a road game at Highmore against the Highmore Harrold Pirates. All those games and more will be broadcast on Country 95.3FM, pierrecountry dot com, and on YouTube at Country 95.3 sports.
