Fourth-ranked Minnehaha Academy scored the first eight points in Friday's Class 2A, Section 4 finals and advanced to its 11th state tournament in 14 years with a 64-51 victory over Concordia Academy at Anoka-Ramsey Community College.
"These kids have been a part of our program since most of them were in seventh grade, so it means a lot to them," coach Josh Thurow said. "They earned it."
Senior guard Terra Rhoades scored a game-high 35 points for Minnehaha Academy, including 13 straight early in the second half as Concordia Academy began to chip away at the Redhawks' 21-14 halftime lead.
The Beacons trailed by just 42-37 with 7:16 to go, but Rhoades responded with two baskets and then found Mia Curtis open in the corner for a three-pointer that put the Redhawks (21-7) up by 12.
"She steps up in the biggest games," Thurow said. "It's not just the points. She locked down on defense. That's the kind of competitor she is."
MATT STEICHEN
