Lincoln Patriots defeat Harrisburg in South Dakota boys basketball semifinals

Sioux Falls Lincoln rallies for comeback win over Harrisburg to advance to state championship game

Mar. 21, 2026 at 1:42am

The Sioux Falls Lincoln Patriots boys basketball team defeated the Harrisburg Tigers in the South Dakota Class AA state semifinals, rallying from an early deficit to secure the victory and a spot in the championship game.

Why it matters

The win for Lincoln marks a significant achievement, as the Patriots advance to the state championship game after overcoming a tough opponent in Harrisburg. This matchup between two of the top teams in South Dakota high school basketball has generated excitement and interest among fans across the state.

The details

Lincoln trailed Harrisburg early in the game but was able to mount a comeback, taking control in the second half to secure the victory. Key players for the Patriots included Sam DeGroot and Sam Ericsson, who made crucial plays down the stretch to lead their team to the win.

  • The South Dakota Class AA boys basketball state semifinals took place on March 21, 2026.

The players

Sam DeGroot

A key player for the Sioux Falls Lincoln Patriots who contributed to the team's comeback victory over Harrisburg.

Sam Ericsson

Another important player for the Sioux Falls Lincoln Patriots who helped lead the team to the win over Harrisburg.

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What they’re saying

“We just knew at that point we had to go,”

— Sam DeGroot

What’s next

The Sioux Falls Lincoln Patriots will advance to the South Dakota Class AA boys basketball state championship game, where they will face the winner of the other semifinal matchup.

The takeaway

The Sioux Falls Lincoln Patriots' comeback victory over Harrisburg in the state semifinals showcases the team's resilience and determination, setting the stage for an exciting championship game as they look to cap off their successful season with a state title.