Photo: Josh Jurgens/SDPB
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Watertown fell just short in a physical, back-and-forth battle Thursday, dropping a 65-61 decision to Harrisburg in the quarterfinals of the Boys Class AA State Basketball Tournament.
Harrisburg held a 25-22 lead at halftime and extended the margin to 43-37 entering the fourth quarter. Watertown surged back to take a 48-47 lead with 5:43 remaining following a bucket by Carter Buisker. However, late-game execution favored the Tigers.
Trailing 64-59 with 25 seconds left, Jackson McClemens buried a 3-pointer to pull the Arrows within two. The comeback attempt fell short after Stellen Larson hit two clutch free throws and David Doe secured a late steal to seal the win for Harrisburg. Turnovers proved costly for the Arrows, as the Tigers flipped those mistakes into 22 points.
Buisker led Watertown with 23 points and five rebounds. McClemens, despite battling foul trouble throughout the contest, finished with 19 points, while Jack Mack added eight points and six boards.
Harrisburg saw four players reach double figures, led by Crayton Jibben’s 19 points. Larson recorded a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Myles Nour and Doe added 13 and 10 points, respectively.
Watertown moves into the consolation semifinals to face Tea Area at noon Friday. Coverage can be found on SDPB-TV1, SDPB.org/Basketball, SDPB’s YouTube or 950 KWAT.
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