Yankton survives Central rally

Playing in their brand new Summit Center, the #2 ranked Yankton Gazelles (17-1) were able to withstand a hard fought ESD game and edged Aberdeen Central (11-5) 44-41 on Saturday night. The Gazelles, who wrapped up the ESD championship 2 weeks ago, jumped out to an early 11 point lead in the first quarter. Central responded in the second quarter and managed to close to 3 points, 25-22 at halftime. The second half was a back and forth afair throughout and with just under 3 minutes to go, the game was tied at 40. Central had the ball underneath its own basket, but a 3 seconds in the lane violation gave the ball back to Yankton. The Gazelles were able to make one of two freethrows on their end for a 41-40 lead with just under 2 minutes left. The Eagles held the ball until 22 seconds remaining then called their last time out to set up the potential game winning shot. However a great defensive play by Katie Heine knocked the ball loose and a jump ball ensued, with possetion going to Yankton with 4 seconds left. The Eagles fouled and Yankton made both freethrows for the 44-41 lead. The Eagles had one last chance but their 3 point attempt did not get off before the final buzzer went off. The Eagles play the first round of the District 3AA tournament this Thursday night when they host the Pierre Lady Governors in a 6:30 PM game. The Eagles will also play at home on Friday night, but their opponent will not be known until that morning.

Boxscore:

Aberdeen Central: Sillman 2 0-0 4, Norman 4 1-2 10, Murphy 4 2-4 10, E. Graf 0 2-2 2, Goodman 4 1-2 9, Burgard 0 4-4 4, Healy 1 0-0 2 Three point goals: Norman

Yankton: Johnson 5 0-0 10, Garvey 1 0-0 2, Heine 3 3-4 9, Graney 1 0-0 2, Nelson 5 3-6 13, Schoenfelder 3 2-3 8, Three point goals: none

Fouled out: Schoenfelder. Total fouls: Aberdeen Central 16, Yanton 17, Rebounds: Aberdeen Central 16(Goodman 4), Yankton 25(Schoenfelder 7). Turnovers: Aberdeen Central 10, Yankton 8. JV game: Yankton 44-31; Sophomore game: Yankton 53-33.

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