ABERDEEN, S.D. — Second-seeded Freeman used a fast start and timely shooting to hold off a late push from No. 7 Sully Buttes, earning a 63-55 victory in the opening round of the Class B Boys Basketball State Tournament on Thursday evening.
Freeman (22-2) came out firing, knocking down four first-quarter 3-pointers to build a commanding 24-11 lead after the opening eight minutes. Tayden Kerrigan sparked the early surge with a pair of triples, while Tate Sorensen and Tannen Auch also connected from deep as the Flyers seized control.
Sully Buttes (18-6) struggled to find rhythm early but settled in during the second quarter behind Wesley Wittler, who scored inside and at the free-throw line to help trim the deficit. Still, Freeman maintained a 32-21 halftime advantage.
The Chargers made their move in the third quarter. Wittler continued to dominate offensively, and a balanced effort from Jett Yackley and Gavin Colson helped Sully Buttes close within four, 43-39, heading into the final period.
But each time Sully Buttes threatened, Freeman had an answer.
Kerrigan opened the fourth quarter with another 3-pointer, and Luke Miller followed with one of his own to push the lead back to double digits. Sully Buttes rallied again, cutting the deficit to three midway through the quarter after a Yackley basket made it 51-48.
Freeman responded with composure down the stretch. David Walter scored key baskets in the lane and converted free throws in the final minute to seal the win.
Kerrigan led Freeman with 17 points, knocking down five 3-pointers. Walter added 15 points and seven rebounds, while Sorensen recorded a double-double with eight points and 10 boards. Miller chipped in 10 points, and the Flyers finished 12-of-30 from beyond the arc.
Wittler paced all scorers with 28 points for Sully Buttes, adding eight rebounds. Yackley contributed 15 points, while Colson added 10. The Chargers shot just 24 percent from 3-point range (6-of-25), which proved costly despite their second-half push.
Freeman advances to the state semifinals, while Sully Buttes moves into the consolation bracket.