Bulldogs earn return trip to State

Posted on Wednesday, March 5, 2008

For the second year in a row, Madison and Sioux Falls Christian met for the Region 3A boys basketball title. And for the second year in a row, the Bulldogs upended the Chargers to advance to state- a 53-41 win last night at the Elmen Center in Sioux Falls.

It was a nip-and-tuck first half as both teams traded leads and tied the game six different times. Sioux Falls had a 13-11 lead at the end of the first quarter, only to have Madison re-take the lead at the half, 23-21.

The second half belonged to the Bulldogs, as they outscored the Chargers 30-20. A big factor in the game was that the Bulldogs were able to shut down Sioux Falls inside game, holding their three inside players to a combined 16 points.

Three Bulldogs finished the night in double-figures, as Chad White earned Stadium Sports Player of the Game honors with a 12-point, 8-rebound performance. Tony Fiegen had 10 points and 9 rebounds, while Ryan Steffenson also finished with 10 points.

For the 16-7 Chargers, Colin Koth finished with 11 points, while Braden Wieking added 10.

Madison advances to next weeks State "A" Boys' basketball tournament in Sioux Falls. Official pairings will be released later today.