AGENCY VILLAGE – Aberdeen Roncalli used a big first quarter to cruise past Tiospa Zina for a 63-23 Northeast Conference girls basketball win on Monday.
The Cavaliers bolted out to a 31-0 opening-quarter lead and never looked back, thanks to an aggressive defense that forced the Wambdi into difficult situations.
“We played well defensively early in the game,” Roncalli coach Derek Larson said. “Forced them into some turnovers and difficult shots.”
Roncalli also converted those turnovers into baskets to build the lead, eventually taking a 52-10 advantage into the halftime break.
“We got out and ran in transition early in the game,” Larson said.
Maddie Huber led the Cavaliers with 14 points, while Ava Hanson had 13. McKenna O’Keefe totaled 12.
Tiospa Zina was led by Cadin Smith with nine points.
Tiospa Zina (0-13) will travel to Flandreau Indian on Friday, while Roncalli (11-2) will travel to
Milbank on Thursday. The Cavaliers will then face Vermillion during the Dak XII-NEC Clash in Madison on Saturday.
ABERDEEN RONCALLI (11-2): McKenna O’Keefe 6 0-0 12, Maddie Huber 5 2-2 14, Claire Crawford 2 0-0 5, Rylee Voeller 0 2-2 2, Ava Hanson 6 0-0 13, Gabby Thomas 3 0-2 6, Morgan Helms 1 0-0 2, Reese Henrich 2 0-0 4, Olivia Dix 1 0-0 2, Elyana Roach 1 1-1 3. Totals 27 5-7 63.
TIOSPA ZINA (0-13): Latice Rodlund 2 0-0 4, Maya Deutsch 1 1-3 3, Cadin Smith 4 1-1 9, Journey Halle 3 0-4 7. Totals 10 2-8 23.
Aberdeen Roncalli 31 52 59 63
Tiospa Zina 0 10 12 23
3-point field goals – Huber (2), Crawford, Hanson; Halle. Total fouls – Aberdeen Roncalli 7; Tiospa Zina 10.
