SPEARFISH — The Sioux Valley girls basketball team was in it all the way, but in the end, Dakota Valley’s balanced offensive attack pulled away in the fourth quarter to secure a 65-57 win and move on the state semifinals.

The nip and tuck contest at the Class A Girls State Basketball Tournament in Spearfish was tied at the half and at the end of the third quarter. But Dakota Valley outscored Sioux Valley 19-7 in the final frame to seal the win.

The seventh-seeded Cossacks had won eight straight before falling in the tourney opener.

For Sioux Valley, Keyra Kruse led the way with 20 points and added 12 boards. Amari Ward and Kailey Cradduck scored 14 points each, and Talya Vincent chipped in six.

Dakota Valley had four players in double digits. Ella Otten scored 17, Katie Betsworth 15, Aubree Worden 11 and Emersen Mead 10.

Both teams danced with the ones what brung ‘em: The Sioux Valley starters all played at least 30 minutes, while Dakota Valley split their minutes primarily among six players.

Dakota Valley also made the effort plays when they needed them, outscoring Sioux Valley 21-9 in second-chance points.

Sioux Valley is now 19-5 on the season and moves to the consolation bracket to play the loser of unbeaten Mahpíya Lúta and 17-5 Wagner.

Dakota Valley gets the winner of that game in the state semifinals.