WEST CENTRAL — Mahpiya Luta shook off a sluggish start and continued its undefeated season on Thursday. 

No. 2 seed Mahpiya Luta overcame a rocky start, and pulled away for a 65-42 win over No. 7 West Central at the Class A state girls basketball tournament at the Watertown Civic Arena. 

Mahpiya Luta improved to 22-0 after the win over the upset-minded Trojans, who stayed within striking distance through the first half. Mahpiya Luta led 27-20 at halftime before using a 22-10 third-quarter margin to seize control over the Trojans (18-5). 

“We just had to lock in and we had to focus because we knew what we came for and we know how to fight,” Mahpiya Luta senior Mya Mills said. “It was a rough first half, but we know we had to come back in the second half.” 

Mills helped all-state guard Ashlan Carlow-Blount shoulder the offensive load on Thursday. Carlow-Blount led the way with 24 points, eight rebounds, six assists and six steals. The future University of South Dakota Coyote scored all 12 Mahpiya Luta points in the first quarter. 

“I think in that first quarter, I feel like for me personally I was just trying to get everybody's energy up as a point guard, make some moves and get everybody moving,” Carlow-Blount said.  

Mills added 18 points on six 3-pointers, including four in the second half. She hit six of Mahpiya Luta’s seven 3-pointers, providing a secondary scorer as West Central keyed on Carlow-Blount. 

“I feel like whenever that happens to Ash then I have to step up and use my shooting ability,” Mills said. 

Mills tied the Class A girls state tournament record for most 3-pointers in a game, joining Red Cloud’s Leannah Vitalis, Beresford’s Cori Bonte, McCook Central’s Ericka Bakke, Newell’s Kelle Anderson, St. Francis’ LeeAnn Marshall, Winner’s Beth Wilcox and Winner’s Bella Swedlund. 

“Mya has been my forever teammate,” Carlow-Blount said. “So I know she’s a good shooter and I trust the ball in her hands. If I get trapped up I am always looking for her on the 3-point line because if I want anybody to shoot the ball it’s definitely Mya Mills.” 

West Central’s Kacey Jaton led the Trojans with 14 points, six rebounds and three steals. Mackenzie Skonhovd added nine points, while Abbi Thornton had seven points and three rebounds. Ellie Knight had six points for West Central, which shot 12-of-41 from the field and committed 29 turnovers. 

Dorthie Mesteth added seven points for Mahpiya Luta. Shania Ferguson totaled five points, four assists, four steals and three rebounds for Mahpiya Luta, which recorded 27 steals. 

West Central will play Sioux Falls Christian or Wagner at 12:45 p.m., CT on Friday in the consolation semifinals. 

Mahpiya Luta will play Sioux Falls Christian or Wagner at 6:45 p.m., CT on Friday in the consolation semifinals.