Titans take down Lincoln in battle of No. 1s

Opening the game on a four point play, Noah Freidel scored 33 points Saturday night as the Tea Area High School boys’ basketball team defeated the number 1 team in Class AA, Sioux Falls Lincoln at the Pentagon in Sioux Falls.

It was a battle among the top teams in Class A and Class AA and the Titans made a statement early, never trailing in the game and earning the 65-47 win.

“Our crowd was amazing at the Pentagon for the Lincoln game. It was a great atmosphere and the guys certainly fed off of that energy,” said Titan head coach Chris Fechner. “We were able to get off to a great start and put them back on their heels a little. I thought we were pretty efficient on the offensive end and really looked to attack them and get to the rim.”

The Titans shot nearly 49 percent in the game. The Patriots shot just under 30 percent in the game.

“Our defensive intensity was very good, as was our first shot defense,” said Coach Fechner. “We gave up too many offensive rebounds in the first half, but we did a much better job in the second half with that. I thought the guys really played composed and every time Lincoln would make a small run, we were able to answer it.”

Freidel led all scorers with his 33 points, hitting four three pointers and going 11 of 14 at the foul line. He also pulled down eight rebounds, had two assists and one steal.

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