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Norwalk Today
By the People, for the People
High-schooler scores 8 points in 19 seconds to flip Iowa state girl's basketball semifinal
DC-Grimes sophomore Ava Smid's late-game heroics propel her team to the state championship game.
Published on Mar. 6, 2026
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In a thrilling finish to the Iowa 4A state girl's basketball semifinal, Dallas Center-Grimes sophomore Ava Smid scored 8 points in the final 19 seconds to erase a 6-point deficit and lead her team to a 47-42 victory over Norwalk. Smid's late-game heroics, which included two steals and three baskets, flipped the game completely around and sent DC-Grimes to the state title game.
Why it matters
Smid's incredible performance in the final minute of the game showcases the excitement and unpredictability of high school sports, where a single player can take over and completely change the outcome of a game. Her feat is being compared to Reggie Miller's famous 8 points in 8.9 seconds in the 1995 NBA playoffs, demonstrating the lasting impact that such clutch plays can have.
The details
With 45 seconds left, DC-Grimes trailed Norwalk by 6 points. Smid then scored a layup to cut the lead to 2 with 32 seconds remaining. She then stole the ensuing inbound pass and scored another basket to tie the game. As time continued to run down, Smid intercepted another Norwalk inbound pass, scored again, and was fouled, completing the incredible comeback.
- With 45 seconds left in the game, DC-Grimes trailed Norwalk by 6 points.
- Smid scored a layup with 32 seconds remaining to cut the lead to 2 points.
- Smid stole the inbound pass and scored to tie the game.
- Smid intercepted another inbound pass, scored, and was fouled in the final seconds.
The players
Ava Smid
A sophomore at Dallas Center-Grimes High School who scored 8 points in the final 19 seconds to lead her team to victory in the Iowa 4A state semifinal.
Norwalk
The opposing team that held a 6-point lead late in the game before Ava Smid's heroics.
Dallas Center-Grimes
The high school team that overcame a late deficit to win the Iowa 4A state semifinal game.
What they’re saying
“We all believe in each other. We never had a doubt that we were going to (win) this game. … There was no doubt in our minds.”
— Ava Smid, Sophomore, Dallas Center-Grimes High School (Des Moines Register)
What’s next
Ava Smid and the Dallas Center-Grimes Mustangs will play in the Iowa 4A state championship game on Saturday against No. 5 Carlisle.
The takeaway
Ava Smid's incredible late-game performance in the Iowa 4A state semifinal showcases the excitement and unpredictability of high school sports, where a single player can take over and completely change the outcome of a game in a matter of seconds. Her feat is being compared to legendary NBA moments, demonstrating the lasting impact that such clutch plays can have.
