On Saturday, the Alliance St. Agnes Academy boys’ basketball team traveled to South Dakota to compete in the Basketball Festival hosted by Rapid City Community Christian. The event featured eight teams, with each school playing two games. The Crusaders opened the tournament with a closely contested matchup against the host Comets but fell just short, losing 49-47. With the loss, St. Agnes’ record now stands at 9-4 on the season. Cisco Cody led the Crusaders with 18 points, while Joe Collins and Tripp Johnson each added 10 points.
The first quarter was tightly contested, with both teams trading baskets. The Comets scored 15 points in the period, while St. Agnes stayed close with 14 points. Cody got the Crusaders off to a strong start, contributing 8 points, while Collins added three two-point baskets to keep Alliance within striking distance. Rapid City’s offense was balanced, with a pair of free throws, five two-pointers, and a three-pointer helping them take a narrow 15-14 lead after the first quarter.
The Comets maintained their lead in the second quarter, thanks to three three-pointers. Alliance stayed within reach, scoring 9 points in the period. Cody added two more baskets and a free throw, while Danny Jelinek and Collins chipped in with late free throws and a basket, respectively. At halftime, Rapid City held a 26-23 advantage.
The third quarter saw both teams score 11 points apiece, with the Comets maintaining their slim lead. Johnson stepped up for St. Agnes, scoring 7 points in the period, including a three-pointer and two two-point baskets. Cody and Jelinek each added 2 points, but the Crusaders still trailed 37-34 heading into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter was a team effort for St. Agnes, with five players contributing to the scoring. The Crusaders outscored Rapid City 13-12 in the period but couldn’t overcome the deficit. Cody, Johnson, and Grayson Dibrito each hit three-pointers to keep the game close, while Jelinek and Collins added two-point baskets. Rapid City opened the quarter with a three-pointer and added four two-pointers and a free throw down the stretch to secure the 49-47 victory.
Scoring Summary:
ALL: 14 | 9 | 11 | 13 — 47
RC: 15 | 11 | 11 | 12 — 49
Crusaders Scoring:
Cisco Cody: 18 points
Tripp Johnson: 10 points
Joe Collins: 10 points
Danny Jelinek: 6 points
Grayson Dibrito: 3 points
Following the game, the Crusaders were scheduled to face Hill City later in the day.