Photo: ©2026 SDPB | Tim Tushla
WATERTOWN, S.D. — No. 1 Hamlin overcame a slow start against a scrappy No. 8 Lakota Tech team en route to a 61-52 opening-round win at the 2026 Girls Class A Basketball Tournament at the Watertown Civic Arena.
The Tatanka got out to a quick start and led 12-11 after one quarter and 30-28 at the half. But bolstered by great second-half defense, holding Lakota Tech to just eight points in the third quarter, the Chargers settled in to take control of the game and lead 42-38 after three. Hamlin outscored Lakota Tech 33-22 in the second half.
Both teams struggled shooting the ball early but shook off the tournament jitters. The Chargers shot 35% from the field compared to just 30% for the Tatanka. Hamlin also out-rebounded Lakota Tech 45-36.
Addelyn Jensen led the Hamlin attack with 22 points and 13 rebounds. Issie Steffensen added 11 points. The Neuendorf sisters had 25 of Hamlin’s 61 points. Addie Neuendorf scored 16 points to go with six assists, while Paxton Neuendorf had a 9-point afternoon.
Four players from Lakota Tech reached double figures, led by Amelia Shangreaux with 15 points. Lizzie Robinson and Andrea Sanchez each added 12 points. Addison Goings had an 11-point afternoon.
Hamlin will move on to play in the Class A semifinals Friday night at 5 p.m. against Lennox. SDPB will have live coverage on SDPB-TV3, SDPB.org/Basketball and on YouTube. Radio coverage can be found on Power 106.3 and New Country KS93.
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