Photo: SDPB | Josh Jurgens
RAPID CITY, S.D. — It was a comeback for the ages as Watertown avenged an overtime loss to Tea Area earlier in the year to take a 73-68 victory in the Class AA consolation semifinal game Friday afternoon.
Tea Area held Watertown at arm’s length through the first three quarters, leading 18-13 after one, 28-25 at the half, and 51-41 heading into the final frame. But a scrappy Watertown team was not done yet. The Arrows took their first lead on a Kaden Decker 2-pointer at the 5:01 mark of the fourth quarter. This time, Watertown would hold Tea Area at arm’s length.
A game dictated by free throws came down to Carter Buisker’s big shots at the charity stripe to secure the victory. Watertown got to the line 20 more times than Tea Area and made 10 more shots.
Buisker went 15-of-16 from the line, leading him to a 34-point performance for Watertown. Jackson McClemens added 24 points. Jack Mack grabbed 10 boards to go with six points.
Gavin Shawd put on a masterclass for Tea Area, leading all scorers with 40 points. Griffin Wiebenga added 16. Kay Williamson was the Titans’ leading rebounder with eight.
Watertown will play in the consolation championship Saturday at 1:45 p.m. against Brandon Valley. SDPB will have coverage on SDPB-TV1, SDPB.org/basketball, and YouTube. Radio coverage can be found on 950 KWAT.
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