DE SMET – 25 points from Ashley Bjerke helped lead Sioux Valley to a 73-48 victory over De Smet on Tuesday night.
The Cossacks held a slim advantage at halftime but were then able to take control in the second half. Sioux Valley led 14-12 at the end of the first and then 35-31 at halftime. The Cossacks would then outscore the Bulldogs 38-17 in the second half and cruised to the win.
Sioux Valley shot 46.7% from the field and was 12-34 from three. Bjerke had five rebounds and four assists to go along with her 25 points. Keyra Kruse had double-double with 10 points and 11 boards. Landree Wilson had 10 points and eight rebounds. Isabelle Bloker had nine points and Sydney Hesby had eight points.
The Bulldogs shot 29.5% from the field and were 5-21 from three. De Smet was led by Jada Burke who had 19 points. Hazel Luethmers and Emma Albrecht each had eight points.
The Cossacks held a 40-22 advantage in rebounds. Sioux Valley had 13 turnovers and was 5-8 at the free throw line. The Bulldogs also had 13 turnovers and were 7-12 at the charity stripe.
Sioux Valley is now 8-3 on the season and will play Baltic on Thursday in the first round of the Big East Tournament. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. in Salem.
