Notre Dame de Sion hadn’t made it to the final four since 2002, when the Storm completed back-to-back state championships On Saturday they’ll go for their third state title, thanks to a 53-35 win over Hazelwood East in the Class 5 girls semifinals.

Notre Dame De Sion’s defense smothered Hazelwood East in the first half and that led to a 19-8 lead at halftime. They almost held the Hawklets scoreless in the second quarter, but Channon Haywood made a shot at the buzzer and converted a free throw.

Iowa St. signee Anna Florzak had the most balanced game with eight points, five rebounds, five assists and five steals. Morgan Henderson led the Storm in scoring with 19 points. Hillary Bren had 12 points and 11 rebounds.

In the third quarter NDDS outscored Hazelwood East 19-9 and increased their lead to 38-17.

Haywood led Hazelwood East with 14 points. Hazelwood East, which was making their first trip to the final four, finished the season with a record of 26-4.

Notre Dame de Sion is now 27-3 on the season and will face Incarnate Word Academy in the finals. Both are private, all-girl schools