Fourth-ranked Minnehaha Academy scored the first eight points in Friday’s Class 2A, Section 4 finals and advanced to its 11th state tournament in 14 years with a 64-51 victory over Concordia Academy at Anoka-Ramsey Community College.

“These kids have been a part of our program since most of them were in seventh grade, so it means a lot to them,” coach Josh Thurow said. “They earned it. I’m proud of our girls for getting back to the state tournament.”

Senior guard Terra Rhoades scored a game-high 35 points for Minnehaha Academy. She scored 13 straight during a crucial stretch early in the second half as Concordia Academy began to chip away at the Redhawks’ 21-14 halftime lead.

The Beacons hung within 42-37 with 7:16 to go, but Rhoades responded with two straight baskets and then found Mia Curtis open in the corner for a three-pointer that put the Redhawks (21-7) back up by 12.

“She’s our senior leader. She steps up in the biggest games,” Thurow said. “It’s not just the points, she locked down on defense. That’s the kind of competitor she is.”

Fourth-ranked Minnehaha Academy scored the first eight points in Friday’s Class 2A, Section 4 finals and never trailed en route to a 64-51 victory over Concordia Academy at Anoka-Ramsey Community College.

Senior guard Terra Rhoades poured in a game-high 35 points for Minnehaha Academy. She scored 13 straight during a crucial stretch early in the second half as Concordia Academy began to chip away at the Redhawks’ 21-14 halftime lead.

The Beacons hung within 42-37 with 7:16 to go, but Rhoades responded with two straight baskets and then found Mia Curtis open in the corner for a three-pointer that put the Redhawks back up by 12.

Check back later for more on the game.