The fast-paced and aggressive Sioux of Lower Brule defeated Lyman 51-36 in a battle of contrasting styles in the consolation round of the Class B Boys’ State Basketball Tournament Friday afternoon at Wachs Arena.

Lower Brule Coach Brian LaRoche stated after an opening round loss that he wanted more aggressiveness on the defensive side of the ball and more movement and fluidity in the offensive sets. His players responded with just that against the Raiders.

Lower Brule opened the game in a full-court press and forced a steal on Lymon’s first possession. The Sioux would go on to tally 11 steals and force a total of 16 Lyman turnovers.

Lower Brule controlled the tempo of their matchup with the Raiders and played the game at its pace by creating fast break opportunities.

“If we can end up trusting our defense, it makes our offense,” LaRoche said. “That’s what we believe in all the time.”

One day can make all the difference at the State B tournament, a point proven by Lower Brule’s improvement in offensive efficiency from Thursday to Friday.

“We were moving the ball a little more, getting more open shots and screening away,” said forward Keshaume Thigh, who led the Sioux in scoring with 17 points on 6-of-17 shooting and 3-7 on three-pointers. Thigh also led the team on the glass with 12 rebounds and four blocks.

The Sioux will play in the fifth place game against White River, which will tip at 2 p.m. today from Wachs Arena.

Lyman will help kick off the last day of the tournament when it meets Canistota in the seventh place game at noon.

LOWER BRULE (17-8): Keshaume Thigh 6 2-2 17, Shane Grey Owl 4 1-2 11, Brian LaRoche Jr. 3 0-0 7, Gavin Thigh 5 0-0 11, Lane Gray 1 1-3 3, Christian Bishop 1 0-0 2. Totals 20 4-7 51.

LYMAN (19-6): Toby Estses 5 0-0 10, Sam McClanahan 4 0-0 9, Cruz Garnos 2 1-2 5, Stockton McClanahan 4 0-2 8, Jacob Sazue 1 1-2 4. Totals 16 2-6 36.

Lower Brule 15 27 47 51
Lyman 11 21 31 36

3-point field goals – K. Thigh 3, Grey Owl 2, LaRoche Jr., G. Thigh; McClanahan, Sazue. Total Fouls – Lower Brule 11; Lyman 14. Rebounds – Lower Brule 33 (K. Thigh 12); Lyman 34. Assists – Lower Brule 11 (LaRoche Jr. 4); Lyman 9. Steals – Lower Brule 11; Lyman 4.