Girls basketball roundup: KMS escapes in overtime

No. 3 Fighting Saints edge No. 6 ACGC in Section 3AA-North

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg rallied from an early deficit to defeat Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City 74-68 in overtime in the Section 3AA-North girls basketball playoffs. The Fighting Saints, led by Acelynn Hacker and Leah Wagner, will face No. 2 Minnewaska in the sub-section semifinals on Tuesday. Other winners on Friday include Minnewaska, New London-Spicer, Fairmont, and Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa.

Why it matters

The Section 3AA-North playoffs feature some of the top girls basketball teams in the region, with the winner advancing to the state tournament. This close overtime game between the third-seeded Fighting Saints and sixth-seeded Falcons showcases the competitive nature of the postseason and the importance of each team's ability to make key plays down the stretch.

The details

KMS struggled early, falling behind 9-0 to start the game. But the Fighting Saints rallied, tying the game at 32-32 by halftime. The game went to overtime after Leah Wagner hit two free throws to tie it at 61-61 with 12.8 seconds left in regulation. In the extra period, Hacker and Wagner combined for all 13 of KMS's points to secure the victory.

  • The Section 3AA-North semifinals are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Big Red Gym at Willmar High School.
  • The North finals are set for 7 p.m. Thursday at a site to be determined.

The players

Acelynn Hacker

A 5-6 senior guard and Minnesota-Morris commit who led KMS with 28 points, 8 steals, and 4 assists.

Leah Wagner

A 5-7 junior guard who scored 23 points and had 5 steals for KMS.

Ruby Klinger

A 5-11 senior who scored a game-high 32 points and had 14 rebounds, 3 steals, and 3 blocks for ACGC.

Lauryn Ankeny

A senior guard who led Minnewaska with 18 points, 8 steals, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks.

Berlynn Green

A 5-8 sophomore who added 14 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 assists for Minnewaska.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The winner of the KMS-Minnewaska semifinal game will advance to the Section 3AA-North finals, scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday at a site to be determined.

The takeaway

This close overtime game between two evenly matched teams showcases the competitive nature of the Section 3AA-North playoffs and the importance of players like Hacker and Wagner stepping up in crunch time to lead their teams to victory.