We sat on the edges of our seats as the South Dakota State University Lady Jackrabbits took the floor in the school’s first-ever NCAA National women’s basketball tournament on Sunday night.

I’m sure the pride we felt in “our” team even qualifying in their first year of eligibility was felt throughout the state of South Dakota. Heck, my uncle in Connecticut even called to voice his excitement about the historic sporting event.

But what happened next was breath-taking as the Lady Jacks took a 40-point victory over Texas Christian University at Lubbuck, TX. We stood and cheered as Mitchell freshman Jill Young lit up the scoreboard with a three-point shooting exhibition that earned her the “Player of the Game” award.

Yes, it was a special night for South Dakota and the state’s basketball fans. Best wishes to the Ladies during the rest of the tournament.

Craig Wenzel