The Spearfish Lady Spartans (12-9) saw their postseason run come to an end on a freezing Friday night, falling 52–42 to seventh‑seeded Mitchell (13-8) in the Class AA SoDak 16 at the MHS Main Gym.
Spearfish, the No. 10 seed, stayed within striking distance for most of the contest but was unable to overcome a decisive fourth‑quarter surge by the Kernels. Mitchell outscored the Spartans 20–13 in the final period, fueled largely by free throws. The Kernels finished 25 of 39 at the line, including 16 of 24 in the fourth quarter alone.
Despite the loss, Spearfish kept the game tight through three quarters. After trailing 22–14 in the second quarter, the Spartans continued to pressure Mitchell defensively and cut the deficit to 32–29 entering the final frame. A late push brought Spearfish within 46–40, but Mitchell closed the door at the stripe.
Kate Scharf led Spearfish with 13 points, earning her the Superior Performer of the game, her final as a Spearfish Spartan. Sierra Sandford added 12 points, providing consistent scoring throughout the night. Finley Bouman contributed eight points off the bench, and Tiersyn Grubb chipped in six.
Spearfish finished the season at 12–9, marking a strong campaign that included significant contributions from both veteran players and emerging underclassmen, that will be relied upon next season.
Mitchell’s physical style and ability to draw fouls proved to be the difference, offsetting a cold shooting night from the field. The Kernels shot just 29.5% overall and 1 of 14 from beyond the arc but maintained control by repeatedly getting to the line.
Spearfish battled defensively, holding Mitchell without a field goal for long stretches and forcing 11 turnovers. However, the Spartans were unable to generate enough offense late to counter Mitchell’s free‑throw advantage.
Scoring Breakdown
Spearfish (42): Sandford 12, A. Bouman 3, Reiners 0, Grubb 6, Scharf 13, Eisenbarth 0, Vitto 0, F. Bouman 8, Markovetz 0, Rauterkus 0.
Mitchell (52): Siemsen 15, Morgan 14, Hajek 12, Talley 8, Larson 3.
Quarter scores:
SPR 12 19 29 42
MHS 10 22 32 52
Mitchell will advance to the Class AA State Championship Tournament in Rapid City, where they will face No. 2-seed Sioux Falls O’Gorman. Tournament action starts next Thursday from Summit Arena in The Monument.
The Lady Spartans end their season at 12-9.
Replay: https://www.youtube.com/live/8LlA_BQdVcw?si=VIEdLSYJyWsXjils
