WATERTOWN — In an instant classic, De Smet knocked off Faith in double overtime to advance to the Class B state championship.

The Bulldogs outlasted the Longhorns, who received two 3-pointers by Kaycee Groves to force both overtimes, by a 52-50 decision in Friday’s Class B state girls basketball semifinals at the Watertown Civic Arena. 

“It was just a crazy game and we battled hard,” De Smet coach Brendon Pitts said. “I told the girls we have to be ready to go four quarters and tonight we had to go six, but we got it done.”

Kennadi Buchholz led the Bulldogs (24-1) with 22 points and 21 boards, while Jada Burke added 13 points and eight rebounds. 

Groves poured in a game-high 31 points on 13 of 31 shooting from the field, including 4 of 8 at the 3-point line. 

“I didn't know she was going to be that tough and she was just unstoppable it seemed like,” Burke said about Faith’s 5-foot-10 senior guard. 

Faith's Kaycee Groves celebrates after hitting a late 3-pointer against De Smet on Friday in Watertown. (Ryan Deal / 605 Sports)

Burke hit two free throws for a 38-35 lead with 12 seconds left. After a timeout, Groves dribbled the ball up the court and nailed a deep 3-pointer to force overtime. In overtime, she banked a 3-pointer at top of the key to force the second overtime. 

“She’s a phenomenal player,” Pitts said. “She’s one of the best in the state and we tried to defend her, but she hit some big shots and I think we are playing good defense on her. She is a good player and she made plays.”

In the second overtime, her long jumper handed Faith a 48-47 advantage with 1:51 left. But Buchholz gave De Smet a 49-48 lead it never relinquished in the final 1:20. The Bulldogs converted at the free-throw line to earn the thrilling win. 

“It was crazy,” Burke added. “I don’t even have any words for it. It was so much fun. Our crowd was so excited and kept us going the whole game.”

De Smet led by as many as nine points in the first quarter and took a 24-18 lead into halftime. However, Faith chipped away at the deficit, took a 30-29 lead into the final quarter and it set the stage for the frantic finish. 

“Overall it wasn't always a pretty game,” Pitts said. “But we got the win and that’s what matters and we are playing for a state championship tomorrow night.”

The Longhorns will play Corsica-Stickney for third place. The Bulldogs will face Viborg-Hurley in the championship game.