RAPID CITY- Sturgis benefited from a break-out game from Thomas Nettleton and an unusual missed free-throw to spill Rapid City Central 56-54 in the District 4AA boys basketball playoffs Thursday night.

Nettleton's stellar night included 19 points in the first half, 15 in the first quarter alone. The 6-4 senior finished with 27 points.

"We wanted to keep moving the ball, keep passing and looking for open shots," said Nettleton.

The Scoopers have won three of four after a nine-game skid down the stretch in the regular season and stand a win away from their second consecutive trip to the Class AA state tournament.

"We made a commitment to play against the game instead of playing against the opponent. We wanted to cut down on the self-induced mistakes, and I think we've done that pretty well the last three weeks," said Sturgis coach Ethan Dschaak.

That philosophy was evident from the opening tip against Central at Howard Naasz Gymnasium.

Nettleton scored early and often for the Scoopers and also pounded the boards with five first half rebounds. The Scoopers committed just seven turnovers.

"When you're patient you can force the defense to shift a little bit and that opens things up underneath for your post guys," Dschaak said. "We did a nice job of recognizing the hot hand and we got him (Nettleton) the ball."

"Nettleton basically in the negated everything we did as a team in the first half, and he did it by rebounding and getting good position before he caught the ball," Central coach Mike Purcell said.

While Sturgis led 21-13 at the first quarter break, Central, which won both regular season meetings between the two teams, regrouped and climbed into the contest, outscoring the Scoopers over the next three quarters.

Sims was 3-of-5 from 3-point range in the fourth quarter, and Dana Hill's tough shot inside pulled the Cobblers within one 55-54 with 4.8 seconds left.

The Scoopers hit just 4-of-14 from the stripe in the fourth quarter, helping the Cobblers stay close.

One of the missed shots, however, worked in the Scoopers favor.

Dillon Morris was 4-of-6 from the line in the period. His sixth attempt, coming with with 4.8 seconds left, wedged between the rim and backboard for a few seconds before falling to the floor.

Referee Stan Evans ruled the play a jump ball, with the possession arrow giving the ball back to the Scoopers. Sturgis added another free throw and also took more precious time off the clock.

"It was without question a fortunate break," said Dschaak. "I don't know that it would have been a break had the arrow not been in our favor."

With 2.5 left, the Cobblers got the ball to Hill, whose desperation heave from just across half-court sailed wide at the buzzer.

"We were able to get one of two free throws and at least make it a two-point game and force a tough shot at the end," Dschaak said.

Sims matched Nettleton's effort with 27 points Walter Jones added 10 points. Williamson finished with 12 points for the Scoopers.

Sturgis (7-14) will host Rapid City Stevens tonight for the 4AA championship.