Bennett County Girls Basketball: A Championship Season Fueled by Teamwork, Tenacity, and Transformation
The 2024–25 basketball season will be remembered as a defining chapter in the story of Bennett County High School girls' basketball. Under the guidance of Head Coach Shawna Evans, the Lady Warriors not only navigated the rigors of a demanding schedule but also captured a state championship—a feat made possible by a rare combination of talent, culture, and unselfish teamwork.
From the opening tip-off to the final buzzer of their postseason run, this year’s squad proved that with the right mindset, leadership, and belief in one another, extraordinary things can be achieved. And for Coach Evans and her girls, this season was about much more than just winning—it was about becoming.
A Balanced Team with Standout Leaders
Success didn’t rest on the shoulders of just one or two standout players—it was a total team effort. But within that balance were key contributors who brought something unique to the court.
Senior Thomiah Poor Bear was the team’s floor general. A versatile player with a sharp court vision and strong leadership presence, Thomiah helped guide a young squad through the highs and lows of the season. Her ability to keep the team composed while running the offense was invaluable.
Madi Waln stood out as the defensive enforcer. Known for her relentless on-ball pressure, she routinely created turnovers and disrupted opposing offenses. But Madi wasn't one-dimensional—she could also stretch defenses with her range beyond the three-point line.
Harley Harris was another key contributor, bringing balance to both ends of the floor. Whether it was locking down a tough assignment on defense or initiating a play on offense, Harley was reliable and consistent in every situation.
Peyson O’Neill, standing six feet tall and playing guard, brought a rare combination of size and skill. She posed a threat from anywhere on the floor—equally comfortable attacking the basket or pulling up from long range.
And then there was Reagan O’Neill, a spark plug with unmatched energy and competitiveness. Her hustle and passion set the tone for the team, and her relentless motor became a symbol of what Bennett County Basketball stands for.
From Early Lessons to Championship Gold
Looking back on the season, Coach Evans described it as “outstanding.” While the Lady Warriors didn’t go undefeated, the three losses they did suffer turned out to be crucial. “They helped guide us and helped us grow going into postseason,” Evans said. One of those key losses came at the hands of Dakota Valley, a game that tested the team’s resolve and served as a midseason turning point.
“The girls could have hung their heads and quit,” Evans recalled. “But they didn’t. I believe that loss is why we are state champions.”
Instead of shrinking from adversity, the team responded with laser focus. They watched game film, identified weaknesses, and practiced specific scenarios to prepare for future matchups. That commitment to growth paid off—big time.
“We Over Me”: A Culture Shift
Perhaps the most defining feature of this championship run was the transformation of the team’s culture. “All season was a defining moment,” Evans said, pointing to a significant shift in mindset from individual ambition to collective purpose.
The phrase “We over Me” became the heartbeat of the team. Players embraced their roles, big or small, and found joy in lifting one another up. The result was not just improved play on the court, but a deeper sense of connection and accountability within the team.
One highlight that embodied this spirit came in a tense regional matchup with Kadoka, with both teams battling for top seeding. The game was a back-and-forth affair, and Bennett County needed a spark. Bench players stepped up in a big way, hitting key shots in the fourth quarter to seal the win.
“That game showed the strength of our whole roster,” Evans said. “Everyone was ready. Everyone was all in.”
Senior Leadership Sets the Tone
This season’s success wouldn’t have been possible without the exceptional leadership of the senior class. Coach Evans praised their ability to balance fun and discipline, becoming true role models for the younger players.
“They were able to have fun with them while still teaching them self-discipline,” she said. “The girls really looked up to the seniors and learned a lot from them.”
Thomiah Poor Bear, in particular, helped shape the tone for the year. With her presence and poise, she demonstrated what it meant to lead not just with words, but with consistent effort and heart.
The Future Is Bright
While the loss of five impactful seniors will be felt, the future of the program is in good hands. Coach Evans is excited about the young talent returning next year—players who have already shown remarkable growth and competitiveness.
“This is the most competitive group I’ve had the pleasure of coaching,” Evans said. “They continue to get better every day and grow as a team. They have a bright future ahead and endless possibilities.”
From the O’Neill sisters to a deep bench of role players who proved their worth in clutch moments, the pieces are already in place for another strong run.
Eyes on the Offseason
Coach Evans and her staff are now turning their attention to the offseason, where continued development will be the key to sustaining success. From individual skill development to strength and conditioning, the focus will be on helping each player grow in their specific role while reinforcing the “We over Me” mentality that defined this championship season.
Evans also plans to keep the emphasis on building basketball IQ, situational awareness, and chemistry—key components that elevated the team from contenders to champions.
Final Reflections
This season wasn’t just about the state title, although that will certainly go down as a major achievement in Bennett County history. It was about the transformation of a group of individuals into a team, of potential into performance, and of obstacles into opportunities.
The community, too, rallied behind the team in a way that brought added meaning to each game. “Not only did the girls come together, but our community came together,” Evans said. “They supported the hard work this team has been putting in.”
That support, coupled with the team’s unity, grit, and belief, created a perfect storm that carried the Lady Warriors to the top.
As Bennett County basks in the glow of a state championship, one thing is clear: this isn’t the end of a story, but the beginning of a new chapter—one filled with promise, pride, and plenty more victories to come.
Stats & More
For those interested in the detailed stats and game film, Coach Evans notes that HUDL is the primary platform for reviewing the team’s performance. She’s also happy to share additional information via email upon request.
Here’s to a season of transformation—and the bright horizon that lies ahead for Bennett County Girls Basketball.
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