LINCOLN, Neb. – Millard South and Bellevue West played two tightly contested games in the regular season, with each team claiming a two-point victory. With a Class A title game berth on the line, Millard South made sure the rubber match wouldn’t be as dramatic.

The Patriots dominated Bellevue West in a 68-47 semifinal win to punch their ticket to the championship round.

Millard South jumped 32-3 first-quarter lead and built leads as large as 33 points en route to the victory.

Mya Babbitt hit a state tournament game record eight three-pointers while scoring a game-high 28 points for Millard South. Her tournament record eclipsed the previous benchmark of seven, which was shared by seven different players, including Babbitt.

The scorching performance was short of Babbitt’s own personal best of 10 three-pointers, which she achieved in 2021.

Khloe Lemon added 20 points for the Patriots, while Cora Olsen chipped in with 15. Fellow senior Jones was the only other scorer for Millard South, notching five. Noami White paced Bellevue West with 22 points.

Babbitt, Lemon, Olsen and Jones are part of a seven-member senior class that has reached the state semifinals four straight times, though Friday’s win was the first time those seniors were able to break through and reach the championship game.

The Patriots will play the winner of Lincoln High and Millard North in Saturday’s title round.

#1 Millard South (26-2)… 22 20 18 8 - 68

#4 Bellevue West (22-6)… 3 9 15 20 - 47

Millard South: Babbitt 28, Lemon 20, Olsen 15, Jones 5

Bellevue West: White 22, Melcher 9, Coyer 6, Elmore 3, Muller 3, Emery 2, Russell-Brown 2