With only one remaining regular season game left for Stanley County, the Buffs find themselves fighting for the 1-seed in Region 6A sitting one spot behind Cheyenne-Eagle Butte. The Raiders, on the other hand, are vying for a high seed themselves sitting third in Region 5B. Not only did this one have postseason implications, this one is just a good old fashioned backyard rivalry. These two teams may not like each other, but they certainly respect each other. Especially after their battle last night that turned from a blowout to an instant classic in the span of one quarter.
The Raiders came out blazing, dominating the paint with freshman Cole Kieffer and sophomore Dawsen Volmer; and for Stanley County, they could not seem to get into an offensive groove due to a swarming defensive gameplan implemented by Raider head coach Cooper Garnos. The Raiders slowly built a lead in the first half, carrying a 20-point lead into the break leading 37-17. Before tip, I don’t think anyone had ‘running clock’ on their bingo card, but Stanley County was in danger of that if they didn’t turn it around in the third. The start of the second half began with a steal and a bucket for the Buffs, but much like the first half, the Raiders had an answer. It wasn’t until Eddie Duffy hit back-to-back threes when the Buffs had a heartbeat. The Buffs mantra all season has been scoring runs mainly facilitated by the outside shot, and they finally started to see some shots fall later in the third as they slowly chipped away at the looming deficit.
As the fourth quarter started, Lyman held the lead, but Stanley County had all the momentum. A couple more Duffy threes made it a two-possession game leaving the Raiders a bit shellshocked. In the final minutes, Kaden Montana drew a foul on a made bucket under the rim and was sent to the line to make it a one-possession game, he knocked down the free throw. On the ensuing possession, the Buffs gained the lead bringing the Fort Pierre crowd to their feet as they knew they might be witnessing one of the greatest comebacks in school history. When all seemed lost for Lyman, Conway Collins, with ice in his veins hit a three from the corner to catapult the Raiders back in front by two, leaving just four seconds for the Buffs to try and answer. Paxton Deal ran it down the floor and heaved a contested three that clipped the side of the rim and bounced out, ending the Buffs comeback hopes and giving Lyman the 64-62 victory. While there were many deserving candidates, Aksel Ehlers was named the Baumann Lumber Player of the Game for hitting a couple huge shots in the fourth quarter to keep the Raiders afloat.
Once the Raiders student section finished flooding the floor, mutual respect and sportsmanship was shown by both teams as both knew how epic the game that just took place was. You must tip your cap to both teams. Stanley County for getting up of the mat and not folding despite trailing by 20-points in the third, and Lyman for hitting the big shots when it mattered. Both teams are poised to make a run into the postseason, and this game was certainly a good look at what’s to come.
Lyman wrapped up their regular season with Stanley County last night, but the Buffs close out their regular season Friday night with a makeup game against Mobridge-Pollock. We will have coverage of that matchup on Star 99 & www.DRGnews.com/star beginning around 5:15 PM CT with William Haynes on the call.
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