Late basket lifts Blackhawks past St. Mary’s
HURON –– Trailing late in the fourth quarter, the Sanborn Central/Woonsocket hit a bucket and a foul with four seconds remaining to earn a 45-43 victory over the St. Mary’s Lady Cardinals in the final game of the Friday semifinal games at the South Dakota Class B Girls’ State Basketball Tournament Friday at Huron Arena.

The Blackhawks got multiple options their first two possessions down the court but could not convert. The Lady Cardinals also failed to convert on their first two possessions.

Liz Boschee was fouled on a transition layup attempt and hit one of two free throws, but on her missed shot, the Blackhawks secured the rebound and Alexa Goertz got a putback bucket to make it 3-0 Blackhawks.

Boschee was able to get around the defender for a layup before Madala Hanson nailed a three for St. Mary’s to make it 5-3 with 5:12 left in the first quarter.

Addi Bartholow nailed a wing three for the Blackhawks to make it 8-3 with four minutes left. Brianna Griffin cut backdoor for a layup and a steal and putback by Jenna Miller brought the score within 8-7.

The Blackhawks turned the ball over for the fourth straight trip and Blackhawk coach Rob Baruth called a timeout to gather his squad. A steal and layup by Stephenie Geraets gave the Lady Cardinals their first lead at 9-8 but Bartholow hit a three to put the Blackhawks up 11-9 with 90 seconds remaining in the quarter, and that’s what the score was when the buzzer sounded.

Boschee sealed off a defender for a bucket underneath for the first points of the second quarter with a minute off the clock in the period. Kaylie Robinson drove down the middle of the lane and was fouled, but she missed both charity shots.

Miller nailed a three to bring St. Mary’s within 13-12, then Brianna Griffin was fouled for the Cards and hit one of two free throws to tie the game.

Lainey Goertz responded quickly with a basket, but Hanson then also got a quick basket to make the score 15-15, the tally when the clock reached the second quarter media timeout.

Griffin then banked home a runner through the lane for St. Mary’s. Cami Edwards hit a turnaround shot to tie the game back at 17-17.

Hanson got into the lane and hit a floater. Bartholow responded with a cut across the lane for two. Stephenie Geraets then hit a floater to give St. Mary’s a 21-19 lead.

Robinson got one of two free throws and then Boschee was fouled on a rebound and hit one of two to make it 21-21 with one minute remaining in the first half.

Boschee cut to the hoop for an easy two and that was the final bucket before half as the teams went to the lockers with Sanborn Central/Woonsocket up 23-21.

Griffin nailed a corner three for St. Mary’s to open the second half. Addison Libis was fouled but she missed both, and at the media timeout, that was the entirety of the offense in the opening of the third quarter, with the Lady Cardinals leading 24-23.

After the media break, Maddyn Lebrun drove down the side of the lane for a basket. Boschee was able to get fouled and made one of two free throws to cut the Cardinal lead to 26-24 with 3:43 left.

Griffin hit a baseline floater and Lainey Goertz hit a long jumper for the Blackhawks. Griffin would get another bucket after cutting through the lane to make it 30-26 with two minutes left.

Robinson hit a turnaround basket with 50 seconds remaining and Alexa Goertz got a shooter’s bounce on a jumper, but Griffin was able to get a last-second heave to fall to give St. Mary’s a 32-30 lead entering the final frame.

Alexa Goertz was fouled on a transition shot and hit both free throws to knot the game with 15 seconds off the clock in the fourth. Miller hit a turnaround bucket and was fouled but she missed the free throw.

The Blackhawks broke the press and found Boschee for a short bucket. On the ensuing St. Mary’s possession, Miller drove into Boschee and drew her fourth foul and sank two charity shots.

Miller would then get a transition basket and was fouled again. She sank the free throw to give the Lady Cardinals a 39-34 lead with 6:20 left in the game.

Robinson was fouled underneath and went one of two at the line. Hanson attacked Boschee and Boschee had to be careful with her four fouls, giving Hanson an easy path to a basket.

Robinson hit a bucket in the middle of the defense to cut it to 41-37 St. Mary’s. Miller was able to cut through the defens for a basket.

Kali Hofer missed a pair of free throws for the Blackhawks and Hanson did the same for St. Mary’s.

Robinson made a transition layup, cutting it to 43-39 with two minutes left. Bartholow then hit a running bank shot to bring SCW within two.

Robinson was fouled underneath and hit one of two to bring the Blackhawks within one with 49 seconds remaining. After a defensive stand, the Blackhawks called a timeout with seven seconds remaining.

Boschee sealed off her defender for a basket and was fouled as the Blackhawks took the lead on the shot with four seconds remaining. She sank the free throw to give SCW a 45-43 lead.

Fittingly, Boschee grabbed the inbounds pass to secure the victory.

The Blackhawks move to 22-3. Three Blackhawks were at or near a double-double, as Boschee led the way with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Bartholow had 10 points and nine rebounds while Robinson had nine points and 10 rebounds.

The Lady Cardinals fall to 18-7. Miller led the way with 16 points while Griffin had 14. Lebrun pulled down 10 rebounds to pace St. Mary’s.

Sanborn Central/Woonsocket moves on to play Bennett County for the Class “B” title Saturday evening while St. Mary’s will face Centerville for third place.

St. Mary’s 9 21 32 43
Sanborn Cent/Woont 11 23 30 45

St. Mary’s (18-7): Brianna Griffin 6 1-2 14, Addison Libis 0 0-2 0, Jenna Miller 6 3-6 16, Madala Hanson 4 0-2 9, Maddyn Lebrun 1 0-0 2, Stephenie Geraets 1 0-0 2. Totals: 18 4-12 43.

Sanborn Central/Woonsocket (22-3): Liz Boschee 5 4-7 14, Kali Hofer 0 0-2 0, Kaylie Robinson 3 3-8 9, Alexa Goertz 2 2-2 6, Cami Edwards 1 0-2 2, Lainey Goertz 2 0-0 4, Addison Bartholow 4 0-0 10. Totals: 17 9-21 45.

FG: SM - 18/56 32%; SCW - 17/47 36%. 3-pt FG: SM - 3/21 (Griffin, Miller, Hanson); SCW - 2/16 (Bartholow 2). Rebounds: SM 28 (Lebrun 10), SCW 42 (Boschee, Robinson 10). Assists: SM 3, SCW 11 (Boschee, AGoertz 4). Steals: SM 12 (Miller, Lebrun 4), SCW 6 (Boschee 3). Turnovers: SM 13, SCW 21. Fouls: SM 17 (Griffin out), SCW 13.

Centerville’s 36-game win streak snapped by Lady Warriors
HURON –– The fifth-seeded Bennett County Lady Warriors, the youngest starting five in the state tournament, upset the previously-undefeated and top-seeded Centerville Tornadoes 44-41 in an electric championship semifinal game in the State B Tournament at Huron Arena Friday night.

After each team had a pair of empty possessions, Bennett County’s Thomiah Poor Bear took the ball hard to the hoop for the first score of the game. She was immediately answered by Centerville with a corner three from Keira Austin.

After missing their first 15 three-point shots in their quarterfinal game against Deubrook, Centerville his their two first shots from beyond the arc to lead 6-3 at the first media timeout.

After another Centerville three, Poor Bear picked up a loose ball and made a nifty behind-the-back pass to eighth-grader Peyson O’Neill for two for the Lady Warriors. However, the Tornadoes’ defensive pressure continued to generate turnovers. Izzy Eide hit one of two free throws on the back end of a steal to give Centerville a 14-5 lead at the end of the first.

Regan O’Neill got a bucket in traffic to open the second quarter for Bennett County, but Emma Marshall hit a putback shot for the Tornadoes right away.

The young O’Neill sisters used their immense athleticism to force turnovers, but their youth showed up in their shot selection, leading to just one basket between the two breakaway plays and Centerville held a 19-9 lead at the second quarter media timeout.

The Lady Warriors pushed a high-speed tempo to quickly enjoy a 5-0 run to get within 19-14. Then Althea Gust nailed a three to put Centerville up 23-14. A bucket by the Lady Warriors cut the Tornadoes lead to 23-16 at half.

Marshall hit one of two free throws to open the second half, but Poor Bear answered with the same for Bennett County.

Harley Harris stopped and popped a three to bring the Lady Warriors within four at 26-22 at the third quarter media timeout. Unfortunately, Centerville continued to have an answer when Bennett County would cut under four momentarily.

With 1:10 left on the third quarter clock, Peyson O’Neil confidently nailed a three to tie the game for Bennett County. A pair of missed shots sent the game to the final period knotted at 31.

Harris opened the fourth with a three from the top of the key for a Lady Warrior lead. Marshall quickly responded with a putback for Centerville.

A three from Brea Austin for the Tornadoes tied the game at 36 at the final media timeout. One of two free throws by Harris gave the Lady Warriors a three-point lead as the clock ticked under two minutes remaining in the game.

With less than 30 seconds remaining, Centerville was forced to foul. Poor Bear hit a pair of free throws, and Izzie Eide nailed a three from the corner to bring it within 43-41 with six seconds remaining.

Peyson O’Neill hit one of two free throws to make it a three-point lead and the Tornadoes did not have a timeout and had to launch from halfcourt, giving Bennett County the 44-41 victory.

The Lady Warriors move to 23-2 behind the O’Neill sisters as Peyson O’Neill had 17 points and 10 rebounds while sister Reagan O’Neill had 10 points and 12 rebounds.

Centerville falls to 24-1. Emma Marshall had a double-double for the Tornadoes with 15 points, 12 rebounds, and six steals. Izzie Eidi hit for 12 points and took away five steals.

Bennett County 5 16 31 44
Centerville 14 23 31 41

Bennett County (23-2): Reagan O’Neill 5 0-1 10, Peyson O’Neill 7 2-4 17, Harley Harris 2 1-2 7, Madi Waln 2 1-1 5, Thomiah Poor Bear 1 3-4 5. Totals: 17 7-12 44.

Centerville (24-1): Keira Austin 2 0-0 6, Althea Gust 2 0-0 5, Izzie Eide 4 2-4 12, Emma Marshall 4 6-10 15, Brea Austin 1 0-0 3. Totals: 13 8-14 41.

FG: BC - 17/47 36%; C - 13/51 26%. 3-pt FG: BC - 3/5 (Harris 2, PO’Neill); C - 7/28 (KAustin, IEide, Gust, Marshall, BAustin). Rebounds: BC 38 (RO’Neill 12, PO’Neill 10), C 28 (Marshall 12). Assists: BC 5 (RO’Neill 3), C 8 (Gust 4). Steals: BC 11 (Three with 3), C 18 (Marshall 6). Blocks: BC 4 (PO’Neill 2), C 1. Turnovers: BC 28, C 17. Fouls: BC 10, C 11.

Parkston pulls off overtime win over Dolphins
HURON –– The Deubrook Area Dolphins and Parkston Trojans played a back-and-forth game all game long, fittingly heading to overtime, where Parkston was able to pull out the 56-52 victory in the first game of Friday action in the South Dakota Class B State Girls’ Basketball Tournament at Huron Arena.

Mataya Gouws was able to get a bucket to open the game for Deubrook, but then Zoey Molengraff committed two fouls in a 20-second span and headed to the bench for the Dolphins. Berkley Ziebart hit a pair of free throws to tie the game, 2-2.

Gouws got a bucket and a pair of free throws as the Dolphins took a 6-4 lead into the first media timeout.

Berkley Ziebart nailed a deep three to give Parkston their first lead at 10-9 with 1:50 left in the first quarter. The teams traded a pair of buckets and Parkston held a 12-11 lead after one.

Parkston was able to pressure the young guards of the Dolphins, leading to a pair of turnovers and Parkston worked the inside/outside passing to free up easy shots underneath and wide open three-point baskets to quickly see the Trojans jump up 20-13 with 5:30 left in the first half.

The Dolphins followed their top two scorers, Gouws and Kylee Johnson, to climb back into the game at 22-20 after a Gouws bucket underneath with 30 seconds left in the first half. The Dolphins would tie it, but Lauren Ziebart hit a jumper for the Trojans as the halftime buzzer sounded, sending the teams to the locker room with Parkston up 24-22.

Matte Bauman opened the second half with a drive down the side of the lane and a bucket. After sitting at times in the first half due to fouls, Keeara Oakley was a focus of the offense for Parkston with a pair of turnaround shots in the lane as the two teams went back and forth. A cut to the hoop for Gouws gave Deubrook a 30-29 lead at the third quarter media break.

The two teams battled back and forth, but Parkston was able to generate multiple Dolphin turnovers and take advantage, including a pair of free throws for Berkley Ziebart after a steal with less than 30 seconds left to send the Trojans to the fourth quarter with a 37-34 lead.

A hoop and harm for Gouws brought Deubrook to a 39-39 tie, then Johnson got a contested layup on the next possession to take a lead.

The teams continued to go back and forth, with Deubrook taking a lead, but Parkston getting a three from Berkley Ziebart to knot the game 48-48 with less than a minute remaining.

Oakley was able to get a putback for the Trojans with 10 seconds left in the game. The Dolphins called timeout and drew up a final play. After a pair of fouls by Parkston ate up four seconds, Deubrook called another timeout.

Peyton Trooien was able to get a bucket with no time on the clock to force overtime, tied 50-50.

Oakley opened the overtime period with a short basket for Parkston, then Gouws got a putback to knot the score.

After a long drought for both clubs, Oakley got another basket with 40 seconds left. An offensive foul by the Dolphins put Parkston to the line where Morgan Maxwell hit a pair of free throws. The Dolphins were unable to get a clean shot and Parkston came away with the 56-52 win.

Oakley led Parkston, now 20-5, with 17 points. Berkley Ziebart added 16 points and grabbed six rebounds.

The Dolphins fall to 18-7 despite game-high totals of 23 points and eight rebounds for Gouws.

Deubrook Area 11 22 34 50 52
Parkston 12 24 37 50 56

Deubrook Area (18-6): Neely Gustad 0 3-4 3, Matte Bauman 3 0-2 8, Kylee Johnson 3 0-2 8, Mataya Gouws 8 7-7 23, Brynnlee Hanson 1 2-2 4, Peyton Trooien 3 0-0 6. Totals: 18 12-17 52.

Parkston (19-5): Lauren Ziebart 3 3-4 9, Berkley Ziebart 4 5-7 16, Keeara Oakley 7 3-4 17, Morgan Maxwell 2 3-4 8, Mya Thuringer 3 0-0 6. Totals: 19 14-19 56.

FG: DA - 18/41 44%; P - 19/52 37%. 3-pt FG: DA - 4/10 (Bauman 2, Johnson 2); P - 4/19 (BZiebart 3, Maxwell). Rebounds: DA 33 (Gouws 8), P 20 (BZiebart 6). Assists: DA 10 (Gustad, Johnson 3), P 10 (LZiebart, Thuringer 3). Steals: DA 4 (Gustad, Johnson 2), P 15 (BZiebart 5). Turnovers: DA 25, P 11. Fouls: DA 18, P 17.

Lyman opens up in third quarter over Harding County
The Lyman Raiders opened up a tight game with a big third quarter, outscoring the Harding County Ranchers 15-5 and never looking back in a 57-48 victory Friday in semifinal consolation action at the State B tournament in Huron.

Brooke Palmer opened the scoring for Lyman with a strong layup. Macy Wendt got a steal and layup for Harding County to give them a lead 3-2. The teams went back and forth throughout the first quarter, with the Ranchers able to force turnovers by the Raiders to hold a lead throughout the quarter.

A pair of missed shots to end the quarter send Harding County to the second period with a 12-11 lead.

Mak Scott was able to get a bucket in the lane and a foul to open the second quarter. She would hit the free throw to give Lyman a 14-12 lead. Aggressive work on the offensive glass allowed Lyman to get multiple putback baskets and hold an 18-14 lead.

A pair of quick buckets got the Ranchers within two at 20-18 with 2:10 remaining in the first half. Each team would get another bucket and Lyman would take a 22-20 lead to half.

Lyman jumped out behind a pair of buckets from Bree Smart to climb out to a 27-20 lead 90 seconds into the second half. The two teams then went fairly quiet for multiple minutes, with the Raiders taking a 28-20 lead into the media timeout.

The Lyman defense continued to stifle the Ranchers, holding them to under 20 percent shooting from the field. Brayden Padden finally got the Ranchers on the board with 2:50 left in the third quarter, but by then, Lyman was up 35-22. They would take a 37-25 lead into the final quarter.

Harding County began a run with six minutes left into the game, quickly eliminating a double-digit lead and climbing within six within a minute, but they struggled to cut the lead beyond a half-dozen points.

Palmer would hit a three and then nailed a pair of free throws to put Lyman up 53-42 with 2:22 left in the game. The Ranchers were able to bucket a few points at the end, but ran out of time to come all the way back and Lyman took a 57-48 victory.

Lyman won their 20th game of the season, now 20-4, behind four players in double figures, led by Bree Smart with 15 points. Mak Scott had 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Brooke Palmer chipped in 12 points and Jordyn Scott had 11 for Lyman.
Kamry Padden led Harding County, 21-2, with 15 points. Macey Wendt and Kaylen Padden each added 11 points.

Lyman 11 22 37 57
Harding County 12 20 25 48

Lyman (20-4): Bree Smart 6 2-4 15, Kenzie Wagner 1 0-0 2, Jordyn Scott 2 6-10 11, Mak Scott 4 5-7 13, Brooke Palmer 3 4-4 12, Brooke Montgomery 1 0-0 2, Ella Ehlers 0 2-4 2. Totals: 17 19-29 57.

Harding County (21-2): Kelsi Costello 0 0-2 0, Macey Wendt 2 6-10 11, Bailey Verhulst 2 1-2 6, Kaylen Padden 4 1-2 11, Brayden Padden 2 1-2 5, Kamry Padden 6 2-2 15. Totals: 16 11-20 48.

FG: L - 17/37 46%; HC - 16/58 28%. 3-pt FG: L - 4/13 (Palmer 2, Smart, JScott); HC - 5/19 (KlPadden 2, Wendt, Verhulst, KmPadden). Rebounds: L 34 (MScott 10), HC 24 (BPadden 6). Assists: L 7 (JScott 4), HC 4 (Costello 3). Steals: L 6 (MScott 2), HC 17 (Wendt 6). Turnovers: L 23, HC 14. Fouls: L 17, HC 25 (Wendt, KmPadden out).