RAPID CITY — Lyman made some school history on Thursday.

Playing in just their fifth-ever state girls basketball tournament, the Raiders advanced to their first semifinals in program history. 

“We are happy with the accomplishment,” coach Cody Volmer said after Lyman’s 54-49 win over Harding County at the Summit Arena. “I told the girls ‘Be happy tonight. Because the work starts tomorrow.’ ”

Lyman (21-2) accomplished the feat in an all-West River opener, knocking off the Ranchers in a contest filled with 54 turnovers, 45 fouls and 30 steals. The teams combined for five made 3-pointers on 27 total attempts. 

“Both of us are very physical,” Lyman senior guard Skyler Volmer said. “They like to get up and down and so do we. They have a few really good guards. They like to run the floor well and I thought we matched up well with them.”

Volmer paced Lyman with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Mak Scott added 14 points and nine rebounds. Brooke Palmer posted 13 points. Morgan Hoffman and McKenzie Laverdure scored five points apiece. 

For Harding County (22-1), Bailey Verhulst logged 12 points, four rebounds and four assists. Stacia Carda had 11 points, four rebounds, three steals and three 3-pointers. Jaelyn Wendt had nine points, 12 rebounds and five steals. Brayden Padden had six points and four rebounds, while Kaylen Padden added six points. Macey Wendt had five points. 

The contest featured four times and four lead changes, with Lyman pulling ahead for a nine-point lead in the fourth quarter. But the Ranchers surged back and got within striking distance.  

“Harding County is aggressive and they come after you,” Cody Volmer said. “Kudos to them because he’s (Harding County coach Jay Wammen) got ‘em playing hard and they are coached hard and they are tough girls. So I was impressed with what they did.”

The difference down the stretch was Lyman’s ability to convert at the free-throw line. Trailing 46-45 with under three minutes left, Harding County missed four straight throws and Volmer hit two free throws for a 48-45 lead with 2:14 left. 

Volmer finished 11 of 12 at the free-throw line, while Lyman converted on 20 of 28 for the game. 

“But one thing we do in practice every day is make 50 free throws before we leave,” Cody Volmer said. “So we do that to prepare everybody to make free throws. So hopefully no matter who steps up to that line has the confidence to make the shots that they are asked to make.”

Especially Morgan Hoffman. After Harding County got within 50-49 with nine seconds left, the junior reserve nailed two free throws for a three-point margin. 

“Those were huge for her,” Skyler Volmer said. “I think she was a little nervous. We were like ‘Hey just shoot your shot. You got this and she shot and she finished.’ We have been working for this all year. We have been working on pressure situations just like that. So the time came and she hit the shots.”

Hoffman came into the tourney a 55.6% free-throw shooter on the season. 

“Morgan is the champion for tonight,” Cody Volmer said. “She hit two big free throws. Not a person that’s probably shot a ton of free throws on the year. I don’t know the number but I would say less than 12 free throws on the year.” 

Volmer’s two free throws with 1.6 seconds left reached the final margin. 

The matchup featured Wendt, a 6-foot-2 senior center, and Scott, a 6-foot sophomore center. 

“It was really physical,” Cody Volmer said about the post play. “I felt like we could have gotten a couple more calls, but at the same time Mak persevered through that and she still made plays.”

Harding County will play Warner in the consolation semifinals on Friday.

Lyman will play Centerville in the championship semifinals on Friday. 

“I am so excited,” Skyler Volmer said. “The atmosphere here is great. Our fans came and they created a great atmosphere and I think we are just ready to play tomorrow, too.”