#12 SEM Defeats #5 Cambrige in D2-5 District Final
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
On Friday, February 27, 2026, Cambridge hosted SEM for the D2-5 District Final. The winner would be heading to the NSAA Girls State basketball Tournament. #12 SEM defeated #5 Cambridge, 49-41, to advance to the state tournament in Lincoln.
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In the first quarter, the teams looked like the offenses would get rolling. But the scoring tapered off as both teams settled in on the defensive side. SEM led 13- 8 at the end of the first period.
Here is our pregame interview with Head Coach of the Trojans, Clay Shepard -
Interviews from both games, brought to you by Acme Printing Company.
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In the second quarter it wasn’t until the 5:07 mark a point was scored as Mallory Springer hit a free throw. In the first half, Taryn Arbuthnot was the key source of offense for SEM, which we expected. Springer dominated both ends of the floor throughout the second quarter. Getting easy layups, blocking shots, and rebounding at a high level.
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In the first half, the teams took turns dominating the offensive glass. In the first quarter, SEM was getting a number of offensive boards, and in the second quarter, Cambridge took their turn. The Trojans flipped the script a little bit in the second quarter, leading 22-19 at halftime.
In the third quarter, Cambridge took a seven-point lead, 28-21. But SEM went on a 7-0 run to tie up at 28-28 with about 4:30 to go in the third. The intensity continued as the teams traded buckets in the third quarter. Heading to the final stanza, it was 35-35.
Here is the Player of the Game, brought to you by Farmers National Company, Lori Harding, Real Estate Sales.
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In the fourth quarter, Jaycelyn Hoos of SEM hit a big three-pointer to give the Mustangs a three-point lead, 42 to 39, with about 5:00 to go. The Mustangs made some key stops and knocked down free throws to clinch the win.
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Cambridge was led by Mallory Springer, who had 31 points, and Brooklyn Holtze, who had six points.
SEM was led by Taryn Arbuthnot with 16 points and Jaycelyn Hoos with 14 points.
Check out the highlights brought to you by Prairie Girl Candle Company
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Cambridge finished their season with a record of 17-8.
SEM advances to the state tournament with a record of 13-9. For SEM, this the first time they have made it to state since 2010.
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