Rebels' shocked in first round of district play by Spirit Lake

SIOUX RAPIDS - The Sioux Central boys' basketball team had their season come to an abrupt end Monday night as The Spirit Lake Indians came into town and stole one away from the favored Rebels, 46-39.

Having battled mostly 3A teams all season, Spirit Lake (9-13 overall) went after Sioux Central from the onset, using a 12-0 run to grab a 14-7 advantage after the first quarter of play. The Rebels would then come to life, using a 7-0 run of their own to tie the game at 14-all midway through the second quarter.

The Rebels grabbed a 20-16 lead with just seconds left in the half, only to see the Indians' Tyler Solsma break across half-court and drill a 35-footer as time expired in the second quarter to bring the game to within one.

Both squads came out a bit sluggish to start the second half as the score stood at 26-all midway through the third before Spirit Lake used a late run to grab a 32-29 edge heading into the fourth.

The final period would belong to Spirit Lake however, as they were able seal the game at the foul line. The Indians were 15-18 from the charity stripe on the night.

The 39-point output by Sioux Central was their second lowest of the season. The Rebels were without the services of leading scorer and rebounder Stuart Goslinga, who missed the game due to illness.

Scott Patten led the Sioux Central scoring efforts Monday night, tallying 12 points. Adam Ehlers chipped in with nine, and Matt Dahlin scored all eight of his points in the first half.

Stolsma led all scorers as the Indians' guard finished with 14 on the night.

The upset loss marks a disappoint conclusion to what has been an otherwise impressive season for the Rebels.

Sioux Central finishes their season with a record of 14-5 overall and 10-2 in the Northwest Conference, earning them second place.