ABERDEEN, S.D. — No. 2 Freeman extended its winning streak to 21 straight games on Friday night, rallying in the fourth quarter to defeat No. 6 Wall 74-70 in the semifinals of the Class B Boys Basketball State Tournament at the Barnett Center.
Freeman (23-2) erased a seven-point deficit entering the final period, outscoring Wall 22-11 in the fourth quarter to advance to Saturday night’s title game against defending champion Castlewood.
Wall (20-5) appeared in control late in the third quarter, using a barrage of 3-pointers to build a 59-52 lead heading into the final eight minutes. Teelan Kjerstad and Emmet Dinger fueled the surge, combining for eight made 3s as the Eagles stretched the margin.
But Freeman responded with composure and timely shot-making down the stretch.
Tayden Kerrigan ignited the comeback, scoring seven early fourth-quarter points to pull Freeman within one. Tate Sorensen tied the game at 59 with a pair of free throws, and David Walter followed with a go-ahead 3-pointer to give Freeman a 62-59 lead with 5:43 remaining.
The teams traded blows in the closing minutes, with Dinger hitting a deep 3 to briefly put Wall back in front at 65-64. Freeman answered with a 6-0 run, capped by a steal and layup from Luke Peters, to regain control.
Freeman then sealed the win at the free-throw line in the final 30 seconds.
Walter led Freeman with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Kerrigan added 14 points and nine boards. Sorensen chipped in 13 points and five assists, and Peters contributed 10 points and five steals in a strong all-around effort.
Freeman shot an efficient 50% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc (9 of 18), while also forcing 17 Wall turnovers that led to key points in the second half.
Wall was paced by Kjerstad’s game-high 30 points, including five 3-pointers. Dinger added 22 points with six 3s, helping the Eagles shoot 42% from deep (12 of 28).
Despite the hot shooting, Wall struggled to maintain its lead late, shooting just 5 of 19 in the fourth quarter.
The game was tightly contested throughout, with neither team leading by more than nine points. Wall held a slim 34-33 advantage at halftime before its third-quarter run set up the dramatic finish.
Freeman, making its second straight state tournament appearance after not making state since 1999, will now play for its first Class B title since returning to prominence.
The Flyers previously defeated Wall 72-48 on Feb. 14 at the Corn Palace after losing to the Eagles for seventh place at state last season.
Saturday’s championship game is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. and will be broadcast on Q107.3 FM and Q107Radio.com.