SPEARFISH – Hamlin could not overcome a third-quarter drought Friday night.

After leading at the half, Hamlin managed just three points in the third quarter en route to a 44-33 setback to Sioux Falls Christian in a battle of Chargers in the semifinals of the Class A State Girls’ Basketball Tournament at the Donald E. Young Center.

SFC outscored Hamlin 13-3 in the third period to take control in the contest.

“We just could not get a run going is the biggest thing. Couldn’t string a few baskets together,” said Hamlin coach Tim Koisti. “There was so much fouling going on that it was hard to get a rhythm on offense. I think they struggled to get a rhythm and we struggled to get a rhythm, and it was just a slugfest, I guess.”

Hamlin owned a 21-16 lead after Addison Neuendorf nailed a 3-pointer with 2:53 left in the opening half. However, that’s when the offense dried up.

The Chargers of Sioux Falls went on a 13-1 surge which left them with a 29-22 lead with 2:07 remaining in the third quarter. While the margin did not reach double digits until the final minute of play, Hamlin was never able to muster enough offense to get SFC lead under five points.

Lezlei Setzer came off the bench to power SFC with eight points and 10 rebounds. The 6-foot-2 sophomore made life difficult in the lane.

“She’s had a nice tournament. They’re relying on her and her size which they should,” Koisti said. “Our game is to try and get to the rim and kick out and they’ve got her sitting there. They did a nice job of peel switching, so they were just let her switch over to the girl driving and drop to cover Addie Jensen in the post, which really messed with us a little bit and we didn’t figure it out. We needed our guards to pull up and hit those midrange shots instead of taking it all the way, and we just didn’t do it.”

As was the case in SFC’s 11-point win in the first matchup, rebounds were again a factor in the outcome. Christian outrebounded Hamlin 50-40, including 15 offensive rebounds leading to 10 second-chance points.

“We did a better job, but still not quite good enough,” Koisti said. “And they’re so long and athletic, and when they’re able to play physical like the game was, definitely to their advantage.”

Emory Lems also scored eight points for SFC, while Katie Vander Leest and Avery Reitz each contributed seven.

Hamlin battled foul trouble the entire contest, eventually losing Neuendorf and Issie Steffensen to fouls in the final minute of play. Jensen and Jo Steffensen missed a major part of the opening half due to foul issues.

Addison Neuendorf and Paxton Neuendorf each finished with seven points to lead Hamlin, and Addie Steffensen followed with six.

Hamlin, 20-4 on the season, takes on Dakota Valley at 6 (MDT) tonight for third place.

“Dakota Valley is just so good on offense,” Koisti said. “They’ve got a bunch of kids that can score. It will be a touch matchup.”

Sioux Falls Christian (23-1) meets undefeated Mahpiya Luta in the championship game around 7:45 (MDT) tonight.

HAMLIN (20-4): Addie Steffensen 0 6-8 6, Addison Neuendorf 2 2-2 7, Issie Steffensen 2 0-0 5, Jo Steffensen 0 2-2 2, Addison Jensen 2 0-0 4, Kayde Nebel 1 0-0 2, Paxton Neuendorf 1 4-6 7. Totals 8-47 14-18 33.

SIOUX FALLS CHRISTIAN (23-1): Katie Vander Leest 2 2-4 7, Avery Reitz 3 0-2 7, Maya Nelson 1 3-4 5, Ruth Dvoracek 1 4-6 6, Aubrie VanBeek 1 0-0 2, Emory Lems 3 2-4 8, Sydney Schaap 0 1-2 1, Lezlei Setzer 3 2-4 8. Totals 14-44 14-26 44.

Hamlin 13 21 24 33

Sioux Falls Christian 12 20 33 44

3-point field goals – A. Neuendorf, I. Steffensen, P. Neuendorf; Vanderleest, Reitz. Fouled out – A. Neuendorf, I. Steffensen; Lems. Total fouls – Hamlin 22; Sioux Falls Christian 17. Rebounds – Hamlin 40 (Jensen 8); Sioux Falls Christian 50 (Setzer 10). Turnovers – Hamlin 11; Sioux Falls Christian 10. Assists – Hamlin 4; Sioux Falls Christian 6 (VanBeek 3). Blocked shots – Hamlin 3; Sioux Falls Christian 5 (Vander Leest 2, Setzer 2). Steals – Hamlin 4 (A. Neuendorf 2, I. Steffensen 2); Sioux Falls Christian 6 (VanBeek 2).