Top 10 Matchup In Groton SD

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These are the types of games that eveyone loves to play/coach or be at! Opening weekend of SD Class A basketball has alot of marquee matchups and this game is was no different with two top 10 teams facing off and big names like Keegan Tracy, [player_tooltip player_id='1548634' first='Ryder' last='Johnson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1548641' first='Gage' last='Sippel'] who will lead the charge for the Tigers this season. Hamlin will be lead by Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1545637' first='Jackson' last='Wadsworth'] a do it all player/scorer and leader and [player_tooltip player_id='2059565' first='Boden' last='Stevenson'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With both teams playing hard m2m defense to start this game it was tough sledding for the offense's, but then player [player_tooltip player_id='1545637' first='Jackson' last='Wadsworth'] started to heat up hitting three 3's (one of which was from 25 feet) and 3 freethrows to finish the first quarter with 12 points to help spark his team on offense and take a lead of 19-12 after one quarter of play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Groton controlled the second quarter outscoring Hamlin 17-13 to only be down 32-29 at the half. [player_tooltip player_id='1548641' first='Gage' last='Sippel'] lead the charge for the Tigers in the second quarter scoring numerous baskets almost at will inside, Gage's footwork was realy nice showing he could score on a power drop step/up n under and step through moves in the post. When he got a post touch it was almost n automatic score for the Tigers. Give Hamlin alot of credit they did a great job of limiting his touches as much as they could and also mixing in some zone defense but your only gonna keep a player of Gage's talent down for so long, hes gonna get his eventually.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Third quarter was a back n forth affair with both teams scoing inside and out, Hamlin took a 44-42 lead into the 4th quarter. [player_tooltip player_id='1548633' first='Keegen' last='Tracy'] struggled shooting tonight but his defense/energy and leadership were there all night in a game which his team needed it to be and he brought it!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fourth quarter was a heavy weight fight with each team and crowd looking for the nock out punch but neither team would back down. [player_tooltip player_id='2059565' first='Boden' last='Stevenson'] had a busy night scoing in each quarter and finishing with 18 points, timely three's and key drives and finishes at the rim. Groton would finally with a few minutes left take the lead on key baskets and freethrows from [player_tooltip player_id='2475034' first='Karson' last='Zak'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1548634' first='Ryder' last='Johnson'] who both scored in double figures tonight for the Tigers. In the end the Tigers had just enough in the tank and made just enough plays to take this win at home tonight, both teams will be looking for improvement in certain areas and no doubt both teams will be better as they move into the rest of there schedules moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->