“The emotion that goes into a game like this, you have to be able to navigate that, and I’m so proud of our girls,” Pryor said. “To be 15, 16, 17 years old, playing a game of this magnitude and to stay as level headed as they did — despite some things working against us there — resiliency, the girls exhibited that tonight.” 

That resilience was on full display on the defensive end, as the Redhawks finished the game with 18 steals and 27 forced turnovers. One of the key players off the bench, Berit Parten, led the way with five steals and a block. 

The high-pressure defense often converted to offense, and senior guard Charita Lewis said her offensive game is often sparked by her defensive effort. 

“I’ve been practicing my defense for a very long time and I know my defense portrays my offensive game. If I’m not doing well on defense, then my offense is kind of messed up,” she said. 

Her offense was far from messed up tonight, as she scored a game-high 20 points. She added a team-high six rebounds as well as two assists and a steal. 

While making it to the state tournament is nothing new for the Redhawks, this win was extra special for Lewis. 

“It’s amazing and it’s such a blessing. Last year I tore my ACL and didn’t get to experience this moment at all. Coming here this year is such a blessing and I couldn’t have done it without them,” she said. 

While this is a bitter moment for the Crusaders (25-3, 12-0), St. Croix Lutheran head coach Dave Mielke said he was proud of the way his team continued to fight throughout the game. He also knows they only have two seniors on the current roster. Plenty of key contributors will be back next season, including sophomore Laura Huage, who scored a team-high 19 points tonight. 

“That was a great experience for them, we knew it was going to be physical,” Mielke said. “We’ll come back ready again. It’s going to be a rematch again next year.” 

The Redhawks now have to refocus ahead of the state tournament, a place they’re very familiar with. 

“It’s exciting. This is familiar territory for us but this group isn’t satisfied with just a section championship,” Pryor said. “Our goals have been much higher all season long, and we have not hid from the fact that we want to win a state championship and we’re blessed to have the opportunity to accomplish that goal.”