By Matt Gade

605 Sports

SIOUX FALLS — A year ago, Haleigh Timmer was forced to watch from the sidelines as the South Dakota State women’s basketball team claimed their second straight Summit League Tournament Championship.

The year prior, as a freshman, Timmer was the tournament MVP as the Jackrabbits defeated Omaha 93-51. 

Before the start of her sophomore campaign, the St. Thomas More alum, suffered a season-ending knee injury.

This year, Haleigh is glad to be back.

“It's a great feeling to be on the other side after sitting out last year and now being back in the game,” Timer said. “It's a great atmosphere. Always — Jack Rabbit nation represents, comes and supports us. So it's a great feeling to be back and obviously to win too.”

South Dakota State University's Haleigh Timmer drives to the basket past an Oral Roberts defender during the Summit League tournament championship game on Sunday at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls. (Matt Gade/605 Sports)

Following the Jacks 84-68 win over Oral Roberts on Sunday, Timmer was once again hoisting the tournament championship trophy. 

In the championship game, Timmer finished with 21 points, three rebounds and one block.

For the tournament, Timmer finished with 46 points, shooting 42 percent from 3-point range.

Timmer was named a part of the all-tournament team along with teammates Brooklyn Meyer and tournament MVP Paige Meyer. 

“I think it takes the pressure off each of us individually and allows us to just play free and knowing that there's always going to be another option if one of us is getting guarded, really heavy or something like that,” Timmer said. “It's really freeing to know that we have all those options.”

After securing their spot in the NCAA tournament, the Jackrabbits will find out who they play during the selection show on Sunday, March 16. 

“It's a big stage, and I think we're ready for it,” Timmer said. “I think, personally, I have a lot more experience on bigger stages, and so does a lot of my teammates, so that'll be helpful to bring with us into the tournament.”

South Dakota State University's Haleigh Timmer is introduecd at the start of the Summit League tournament championship game on Sunday at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls. (Matt Gade/605 Sports)

The Jackrabbits are currently 29-3 with a perfect 16-0 in summit league conference play.

“I think we've weathered some storms, even though we've won every game in conference play,” Timmer said. “I think there were some battles we had to win down the stretch, and I think that has strengthened our team.

“Can't ask for anything better. So yeah, we're grateful.”