“(Rapid City Christian) hanging around worried me, because we were holding the ball (offensively) and weren’t moving it fast enough,”âCuster head coach Stephanie Ornelas said.

“We shot the ball well again. Chad had a really solid game,” Custer head coach Larry Luitjens said.“We are playing well right now.”

“I’m so proud for the kids,” he said. “They’ve been working since summer for this opportunity.”

The long awaited title came after intense matches with high ranked Douglas wrestlers

“We’re still working on our moves, but we’re making progress as the year goes on,” Coach Jared Webster said.

Chasen Cole (120 pounds) placed fourth, Tanner Eiesland (17) placed third and Billy Alexander (182) placed sixth.

After Red Cloud had tied the game at 47-47 with just under a minute left, Custer took the ball and began to run down the clock, as Red Cloud furiously pressured the ball and trapped, trying to force a turnover. With 24 second left, head coach Larry Luitjens called a time out and set up a play that was designed to go to Chad Bryant. With eight seconds left the team began to run the play, but the pressure was so great Martinz couldn’t get the ball to Bryant, and was forced to heave the ball up over a couple of Red Cloud players.

His wish was not granted.

“It’s always nice to see other teams,” he said. “And it’s always great to compete in a prestigious meet. Hopefully we can bring home some hardware.” 

The visiting and No. 2 ranked Cavaliers wasted little time jumping all over the Wildcats, coming to town and presenting Custer with a 71-17 beat down.

It was the last basket Custer would score for 10 minutes.

Following Konkol’s three-pointer, the Rangers went on a 16-0 run, burying the ’Cats along the way and taking a 43-21 win over Custer in the armory.

Bryant did most of his damage in the second half—as did most of the team—becoming more aggressive in attacking the rim after leading by only nine at the half.