The St Mary Cardinal girls basketball team faced a heartbreaking 45-43 loss to the Sanborn Central/Woonsocket Blackhawks in the semifinals of the 2025 SDHSAA Girls State Basketball Championships held on Friday, March 14, 2025, in Huron, SD. The game was a closely contested battle from start to finish, with both teams trading leads and showcasing their defensive prowess.
The Blackhawks took an early 8-3 lead with 3:30 to go in the opening quarter. St Mary fought back to within two points, 11-9, by the end of the first quarter. The teams traded baskets throughout the second quarter, and the game was tied 13-13, 17-17, and again 21-21. Sanborn Central/Woonsocket got the final two points for a 23-21 halftime lead.
The Cardinals came out strong in the third quarter and went on a 5-0 run for a 26-23 lead. St Mary was able to maintain the lead the rest of the quarter and took a 32-30 lead into the fourth quarter. The Cardinals were able to extend their lead to 43-37 with 3:00 to go in the game. The Blackhawks chipped away at the lead and got within a point, 43-42, with :49 remaining. Sanborn Central/Woonsocket got the game-winning basket with :04 to play and then added a free throw to complete a three-point play. The Cardinals were unable to get a last-second shot attempt off to end the game.
St Mary shot 32% (18-56) from the field overall, 14% (3-21) on three-point attempts, and 33% (4-12) from the free-throw line. The Blackhawks finished the game shooting 36% (17-47) overall, 13% (2-16) on three-point shots, and 43% (9-21) from the free-throw line.
Jenna Miller finished with 16 points and two rebounds. Brianna Griffin added 14 points and six rebounds. Madala Hanson had nine points and three rebounds. Maddyn LeBrun had two points with 10 rebounds. Stephenie Geraets had two points and five rebounds.
