The Lady Warriors return to the state tournament

Bennett County is set to defend their title

March 6, 2026Updated: March 6, 2026
By Mitch Gallant

It was 21-13 after one quarter in their SoDak 16 game and the Bennett County Lady Warriors were just getting warmed up. They outscored the Ipswich Tigers 51-8 over the next 3 quarters en route to a 72-21 victory and punched their ticket to the state tournament.

Peyson O'Neill led the way for the Lady Warriors with 24 points. Her sister Reagan wasn't far behind with 19 and Madi Waln chipped in 10 as Bennett County improved to 18-3 on the year. Bennett County held Ipswich to just 3 points in the second half as the Tigers went 3 for 6 from the free throw line. Ipswich concludes their season with a 13-8 record.

With the #3 seed at the SD Class B State Tournament, next Thursday through Saturday in Brookings, reigning state champion Bennett County will take on the Harding County Ranchers at 5:45 pm on Thursday, March 12 to begin defense of their title.

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