SPEARFISH, S.D. — The Spearfish Spartans boys basketball team continued its strong season Saturday, defeating the Mitchell Kernels 60–44 behind a balanced offensive effort and a decisive second-half surge.
Both teams traded baskets early, with neither side able to gain much separation in the opening minutes. Spearfish held a slim 11–9 advantage at the end of the first quarter after a back-and-forth start.
Mitchell tied the game to open the second period, but the Spartans responded with an 8–0 run that shifted momentum for good. Kade Vavruska sparked the stretch with a three-pointer, Kamren Davis converted an and-one opportunity, and Cooper Gibbs finished inside after a feed from Bennett Kortan to push Spearfish in front. The teams exchanged scores for the remainder of the half, and the Spartans carried a 29–22 lead into the break.
Spearfish delivered the turning point midway through the third quarter when Vavruska blew through the lane for a strong finish, giving the Spartans their first double-digit lead of the game. From that moment on, Spearfish never relinquished control, steadily building its advantage on both ends of the floor.
The Spartans closed out the contest with poise, pulling away down the stretch to secure the 60–44 victory.
Vavruska led all scorers with 20 points, while Mason Southern orchestrated the offense with 15 points and eight assists. Gibbs added 10 points and seven rebounds, and Davis contributed eight points and two steals in a well-rounded team performance.
Individual Statistics — Spearfish
Kade Vavruska – 20 points, 3 rebounds
Mason Southern – 15 points, 8 assists
Cooper Gibbs – 10 points, 7 rebounds
Kamren Davis – 8 points, 2 steals