In March, all it takes is one sequence to change the entire game — even in high school basketball.
On Thursday night in the Iowa Class 4A state championship tournament, the Dallas Center-Grimes girls basketball team had a finish that was reminiscent of Reggie Miller’s eight points in nine seconds in Game 1 of the 1995 Eastern Conference finals.
Facing elimination in the semifinal round, the Dallas Center–Grimes team found itself trailing Norwalk 42–38 with 35.9 seconds left in regulation.
Dallas center-Grimes took possession of the ball on her own baseline before inbounding Ava Smid for an easy layup, cutting the margin to two.
In high school basketball, the clock does not stop after a made basket. But Smid didn’t let it deter him.
Beyond the basket, Norwich took the ball out of the chamber with two timeouts. Smid pressed his matchup on the inbounds pass, eventually coming up with a steal and a short bank shot to tie the game.
Norwich got the ball out again – and once again, Smid made another steal. This time, Dallas Center-Grimes got a 44-42 lead by draining another layup via contact for continuity.
Head coach Adam Jones said, “That was the fastest six points I’ve ever seen in my life.” Said Of Smid’s bravery.
“I was just trying to defend him, and I somehow got the ball and scored every time,” Smid said With a smile.
Dallas Center-Grimes guard Tessa Jones described the moment as “madness”, with each missed bucket hyping the gym more and more.
“Probably the craziest three seconds of my life,” said Tessa Jones.
Although the game is over, Smid is still living in the moment.
“I don’t feel like we’re going to a state championship right now. I feel like mentally I’m still in the game,” Smidt said.
He finished the game with 16 points, six steals and five rebounds.
Dallas Centre-Grimes won the semifinal matchup 47–42 to advance to the state championship and extend its winning streak to 15 games.
They will play in the championship game on Saturday with hopes of winning their second state title.
