MITCHELL – In a matchup between two rated Class B boys’ basketball squads, Aberdeen Christian spread the scoring load in a 62-48 victory over Lower Brule during the Hoop City Classic Wednesday night at the Corn Palace.

The third-rated Knights placed four players in double-figure scoring to turn back fourth-rated Lower Brule.

“I really thought the key to the game was our passing,” said Christian coach Matt Rohrbach. “We had 15 assists as a team. Having four guys in double figures is also huge and a lot of that has to do with how well we passed.”

Included in the victory was Christian senior Jackson Isakson scoring his 1,000th career point.

The Knights trailed just briefly in the early stages of the contest before opening up a six-point spread late in the first quarter. The margin was six at halftime and Christian led 32-26 early in the third period before pulling away thanks to a 10-2 surge. The Sioux were never able to get the margin under double digits the remainder of the contest.

Ethan Russell, Malek Wieker and Kaden Clark each scored a dozen points to top Christian, while Isakson finished with 10. Russell added six rebounds and Wieker dished out five assists.

Reserve Konnar Furman also gave the Knights some quality minutes.

“Konnar was big off the bench with his seven points,” Rohrbach said.

Lane Gray led all scorers with 17 points to pace Lower Brule. He also finished with six assists. Brian LaRoche Jr. contributed 11 points.

The Sioux played without key member Gavin Thigh.

“We were bummed to not see him in the lineup as we wanted to see where we are with the best teams in the state,” Rohrbach said, “but I believe there is a good chance we could see them again down the line.”

The victory not only moved Christian’s record to 4-0 on the season, but will also provide some quality bonus points for seeding later in the season. Both squads competed in last year’s State B tournament.

“Lower Brule is obviously a quality ball club,” Rohrbach said, “which makes this win that much more important.”

The Knights are off until hosting Oakes, N.D. on Saturday, Jan. 7 at the Aberdeen Civic Arena. Tip off is set for 4 p.m.

LOWER BRULE (4-2): Lane Gray 5 3-4 17, Brian LaRoche Jr. 5 0-0 11, Ellwyn Langdeau 3 0-0 6, Tate Elk Soldier 2 0-0 6, Tayshawn Battese 2 4-8 8. Totals 17-51 7-12 48.

ABERDEEN CHRISTIAN (4-0): Andrew Brennan 1 1-2 3, Jackson Isakson 4 2-2 10, Ethan Russell 6 0-0 12, Malek Wieker 3 4-6 12, Kaden Clark 6 0-0 12, Konnar Furman 3 1-2 7, Becker Bosma 2 0-0 4, Joey Johnson 1 0-0 2. Totals 26-53 8-12 62.

Lower Brule 8 21 31 48

Aberdeen Christian 12 27 45 62

3-point field goals – Gray 4, LaRoche Jr., Elk Soldier 2; Wieker 2. Total fouls – Lower Brule 11; Aberdeen Christian 11. Rebounds – Lower Brule 29 (Battese 10); Aberdeen Christian 35 (Russell 6). Turnovers – Lower Brule 13; Aberdeen Christian 9. Assists – Lower Brule 9 (Gray 6); Aberdeen Christian 15 (Wieker 5). Blocks – Lower Brule 1; Aberdeen Christian 2. Steals – Lower Brule 5 (Gray 2, LaRoche Jr. 2); Aberdeen Christian 8 (Clark 3).