Girls' Basketball Takes Class AAA State Title

The BSM girls’ basketball team won the 2023 Class AAA State Championship on Saturday, March 18, 2023, defeating the Stewartville Tigers 66 – 60 at Williams Arena on the University of Minnesota campus. The championship is the BSM girls’ first since 2010 and third overall (2010 and 2006). The Red Knights finished as Section 6AAA Champions with a regular season record of 25-6.

Coach Tim Ellefson said, “The team rose to the occasion and came through when it mattered most. The kids did a great job tonight, it’s very special what they accomplished together.”

In an exciting championship game, the Red Knights started by grabbing the tip-off and driving to the basket. Zahara Bishop ‘25 scored the first two points after being fouled by a Stewartville player. After a quick score by Stewartville, Kate Kapsner ‘25 followed with a 3-point shot giving the Red Knights a 5-2 lead. Throughout the game, Sierre Lumpkin ’23 provided strong defense and took smart shots, leading all scorers with 21 points.

“As a student athlete, Sierre is one of the best players and teammates I’ve seen,” Ellefson said, “She made it to the State Tournament in volleyball and basketball as team captain and is so positive and supportive of her teammates.”

Olivia Olson ’24 and Kate Kapsner ’25 were named to the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) All-Tournament Team at the conclusion of the game.

The Red Knights led the entire game until 11 minutes remained in the second half, when Stewartville briefly took the lead. The teams fought hard through the middle of the half, until BSM regained the lead with just over three minutes to play and never looked back.

In the Quarterfinals game of the State Tournament, the Lady Red Knights defeated DeLaSalle, and beat Alexandria in the Semifinals game. It was during the Semifinals that Kendall McGee ’25 was injured, but that didn’t prevent her from being with the team at Saturday’s championship game. “Kendall was here to support and coach her teammates,” said Coach Ellefson, “This is a dedicated group and it was a memorable season.”

For Lumpkin, a senior, the win was surreal, “It’s a dream come true for us!”

The Benilde-St. Margaret’s community is BSM proud of our student athletes on this latest girls’ basketball championship. Congratulations Red Knights!

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Benilde-St. Margaret’s athletics program features more than 40 different sports for students in grades 7-12 to participate in during the fall, winter, and spring seasons. BSM also has 35 co-curricular activities throughout the school year for students in all grades.