Aberdeen Central, Sioux Falls Lincoln Claim State AA Basketball Titles

It was championship night on Saturday as we crowned a champion for Class AA Girls and Class AA Boys basketball.

Aberdeen Central started the night off by defeating top ranked Sioux Falls Washington 75-64. Spirit of Su winner Brianna Kusler led the Golden Eagles with 23 points. Aberdeen Central posted 31 points in the fourth quarter to seal the victory. Washington was led by Anna Goodhope's 28 points and six rebounds. This is the first AA Girls Basketball title for Aberdeen Central.

There wasn't a lot of people who thought Sioux Falls Lincoln would go back-to-back on AA Boys Championships. After a 8-12 regular season, the Patriots entered the tournament as the 7th overall seed. Jeff Halseth once again had his team ready to go as the Patriots marched through O'Gorman and Rapid City Stevens to set up a championship game with their city rival Washington.

After being defeated by Washington three times this season, Lincoln was out for revenge. The Patriots led the entire game over the Warriors and the game was never tied. Washington made it interesting in the fourth quarter, but a couple of key shots from the Patriots gave them breathing room. Lincoln picked up their second consecutive championship with a 53-48 win.

Lincoln was led by Tommy Jensen's 17 points. Junior Carson Coulter added 15 points, while Nolan Burchill notched eight. Washington's Sam Siganos was named as the winner of the Spirit of Su award. He had nine points in the loss. Sophomore Logan Uttecht led Washington with 10 total.

Congratulations to Aberdeen Central and Sioux Falls Lincoln.

Scores from Saturday, March 19
Girls 7th/8th Place: Roosevelt 43, Mitchell 25
Boys 7th/8th Place: Aberdeen Central 87, Rapid City Central 81 OT
Girls 5th/6th Place: Rapid City Stevens 58, Rapid City Central 57
Boys 5th/6th Place: O'Gorman 52, Roosevelt 46
Girls 3rd/4th Place: O'Gorman 51, Harrisburg 39
Boys 3rd/4th Place: Rapid City Stevens 53, Pierre 33

Girls Championship: Aberdeen Central 75, Washington 64
Boys Championship: Lincoln 53, Washington 48

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