WATERTOWN, S.D. — Two free throws by Emory Lems with five seconds remaining secured a 51-50 Sioux Falls Christian victory over Hamlin in a back-and-forth third-place game at the 2026 Class A Girls State Basketball Tournament.
The teams had met just a month prior at the DWU Classic, where Hamlin won 74-68 in double overtime. High expectations for the rematch were met as the lead swapped late.
Sioux Falls Christian led 32-22 at the half, but Hamlin responded by holding the Chargers to just seven points in the third period. Hamlin scored 21 in that frame to take a 43-39 lead into the fourth quarter. However, Hamlin went cold in the final minutes, allowing Sioux Falls Christian to go on a 9-0 run. The late free throws by Lems sealed the third-place win for the Chargers, while Hamlin took home the fourth-place trophy.
Hamlin was led by Addie Neuendorf with 24 points. The senior Northern State recruit finished the tournament with 62 points. Sarita Stevenson added seven points, and Jade Thue contributed six.
Sioux Falls Christian saw two players reach double figures, led by Lezlei Setzer with 18 points and eight rebounds. Lems finished with 14 points.
Hamlin finishes the year with a 22-3 record and will graduate seniors Neuendorf and Stevenson.
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