WATERTOWN, S.D. – Lennox used a dominant third quarter to pull away and defeat Mahpiya Luta 65-51 in the Class A Girls State Championship on Saturday.
The loss marked the second straight season Mahpiya Luta finished as state runner-up.
Mahpiya Luta controlled much of the first half. After trailing 10-7 at the end of the first quarter, the Crusaders erupted for 20 points in the second to take a 27-21 halftime lead.
Mya Mills led Mahpiya Luta with 16 points, knocking down five three-pointers, while Ashlan Carlow-Blount added 11 points, six rebounds and five assists. Tahca Zephier chipped in eight points, and Peyton Knife contributed seven points and five rebounds.
Lennox turned the game in the third quarter.
The Orioles outscored Mahpiya Luta 28-14 in the period, using a balanced offensive attack and forcing turnovers to erase the deficit and build a 49-41 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Andie Peters sparked the surge with 15 points, hitting five three-pointers, while Tori Gerdes dominated inside with 22 points and 10 rebounds, going a perfect 8-for-8 at the free-throw line.
Bergan Musser added 10 points, and Teagen Sturm contributed eight points and seven assists for Lennox.
Mahpiya Luta was able to cut the deficit to 54-45 midway through the fourth quarter after a basket from Knife, but Lennox responded with key free throws and inside scoring from Gerdes to keep the Crusaders at bay.
The Orioles closed the game strong at the free-throw line, finishing 15-of-19, while Mahpiya Luta shot 32% from the field.
Lennox also controlled the glass with a 39-27 rebounding advantage and scored 23 points off turnovers to seal the championship victory.