In a tightly contested semifinal, No. 1 Sioux Falls Lincoln overcame No. 4 Harrisburg 53-48 to secure a spot in the SDHSAA Class AA state championship. After trailing by one at halftime, Harrisburg surged with a 12-5 run early in the third, but Lincoln's full-court press shifted the momentum. Key performances from Sam DeGroot, who scored 24 points, and a clutch defensive play by Sam Ericsson sealed the victory. Harrisburg coach Scott Langerock acknowledged his team's struggle against Lincoln's pressure, highlighting the need for better preparation.

By the Numbers
  • Sam DeGroot scored 24 points on 10-for-16 shooting, with 5 rebounds and 4 blocks.
  • Lincoln finished the game with a 22-11 scoring run after falling behind in the third quarter.
State of Play
  • Lincoln advances to the state championship, looking to improve from last year's semifinal exit.
  • Harrisburg will have a second chance as they compete for third place in the tournament.
What's Next

Lincoln will face either No. 2 Sioux Falls Roosevelt or No. 3 Huron in the championship game, with the outcome set to determine the state title victor.

Bottom Line

The victory showcases Lincoln's resilience and strategic adaptation, setting the stage for a strong championship challenge. Both teams' experiences also underscore valuable life lessons about perseverance and teamwork.