The Bismarck girls basketball team achieved a significant milestone by securing its first MAAA Small School championship since 2009 with a thrilling victory over Arcadia Valley on March 15, 2024. The decisive match, held in Ironton, concluded with a score of 63-56, breaking a five-game losing streak against the Lady Tigers and showcasing the team’s resilience under pressure.
Star Performance and Key Moments
Senior guard Halie Dickey delivered an impressive performance, scoring a game-high 23 points and contributing four steals. In crucial moments, fellow player Kinsey Hubbs made strategic plays that helped maintain Bismarck’s lead as the clock wound down.
The Lady Indians exhibited composure despite facing foul troubles throughout the season, often finishing games with limited reserves. In this match, the team remained focused when Arcadia Valley applied increased pressure in the closing minutes.
Ashley Hawkins also made her mark, achieving a double-double with 10 points and 15 rebounds, despite dealing with foul challenges. Her contributions, along with Karlee Dickey‘s 13 points, were pivotal in securing the championship victory.
A Thrilling Endgame
As the match progressed, Arcadia Valley managed to generate three steals within four possessions but struggled to capitalize on opportunities to narrow the gap. Their sharpest moment came when Braelyn Turnbough scored to give her team a brief lead at 43-42 before Bismarck responded decisively.
After a slightly deflected inbound pass, Karlee Dickey scored a crucial layup, followed by free throws from Grace Randazzo and Halie Dickey, widening the margin to five points. Despite a late surge from Arcadia Valley, including a three-pointer from Turnbough, Bismarck’s defense held strong.
The Lady Tigers, ending the game with a record of 14-10 and 3-1 in the conference, faced challenges in the final minutes. They missed seven consecutive shots as Bismarck capitalized on rebounds, ultimately sealing their victory with free throws from Hubbs.
Looking ahead, both teams will enter their respective district tournaments as number one seeds. Bismarck will compete in Class 2, District 3 at Van Buren, while Arcadia Valley prepares to host Class 3, District 3.
Bismarck’s first-year head coach Logan Blunt praised his team’s determination and resilience throughout the season. The championship victory marks a significant achievement for the program and sets a positive tone for future competitions.
In a brief follow-up match, Bismarck solidified its championship status by dominating West County with a score of 56-38, underscoring their momentum heading into the district tournament.
As the season progresses, both teams are poised for exciting challenges and hopeful outcomes in their upcoming matches, with players like Paige Newstead-Adams of Arcadia Valley expected to return from injury to bolster their lineup.
