FORT PIERRE Nothing is sure except death and taxes. And perhaps the White River Tigers qualifying for the Class B State boys basketball tournament.
The Tigers earned their 19th straight ticket to this years B Tuesday night, on the strength of a 65-47 win over a pesky Highmore-Harrold Pirates ball club, at the Stanley County High School gymnasium.
White River never trailed in the ballgame, and held a 16-8 lead after the first quarter.
The Pirates, which finish the year with a 13-10 mark, stayed close and got a late three pointer to trail by only six at the half, 28-22.
White River opened a bit of daylight in the third quarter, as the pressure defense employed by the Tigers began to create turnovers and easy baskets in transition as they took a 51-38 lead to the final stanza.
A quick 6-2 run gave White River a cushion and the final five minutes of play revolved around the Tigers burning up the clock, before shooting – and often making – a three pointer to push the lead and secure the win.
Nick Marshall led White River, now 21-2, with 28 points. Evastine Wright added 14 and Jordan Uhlir chipped in 12.
Trake Cowan scored 20 hard-earned points to lead the Pirates.
White River will be the top seed in next weeks Class B State tournament in Aberdeen, where they will face Viborg-Hurley in the tournament opener at noon.
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