SOUTH HADLEY – Cara Dean’s 22 points helped the South Hadley girls basketball conquer Sprinfield International Charter School, 62-46, during the semifinal round of the PVIAC Class B girls tournament on Wednesday night.

The Tigers’ sophomore slung in a team-high 22 points as the defending champions clinched their spot in the Class B girls championship game for the second straight year with the victory.

“She’s the real deal,” South Hadley head coach Paul Dubuc said of Dean. “I don’t think she forced any. She’s got the green light once we cross halfcourt. She’s a good player.”

Dean was the Tigers’ top scorer during their 25-point third quarter with eight points. Dean hit a couple 3-pointers in quick succession in South Hadley’s strong frame, which seemed to sink the Bulldogs’ (10-10) spirits after only being down 26-24 at halftime.

“Once I start hitting one [3-pointer], then I’m hoping it just keeps going and just feeling great about it,” Dean said.

Dean managed three 3s by the final buzzer and helped South Hadley take a 51-37 advantage going into the final period. Caitlin Dean (13 points) and Olivia Athas (11 points) also found a groove for the Tigers in that pivotal third quarter, combining for 13 points.

“The third quarter might’ve been the best quarter of basketball we played all year,” Dubuc said. “We were everywhere and [SICS was] exhausted. They were gassed by the end of the game. We’re a lot longer than people think too. Our defense was phenomenal.”

SICS came out with a plan during the first quarter and executed it as the visitors led 17-12 after eight minutes. Slowly but surely, South Hadley’s stout defense wore the Bulldogs down, specifically the full-court press, which led to turnovers and miscues that the Tigers (18-2) pounced on and converted to baskets.

“I think we helped,” Dean said. “We knew people could go to the basket, so we were always watching out for help and everything and so I think that helped a lot.”

“We just mixed up our presses,” Dubuc said. “In the second half, we went with one that we were comfortable with and just rode it. We tried to show them different looks. I thought we shared the ball good, I thought we hit the open person. We’re happy.”

Kate Phillips (eight points), Maddie Soderbaum (seven points) and Ava Asselin (two points) contributed as well to make it six South Hadley point-getters against SICS. The Bulldogs were paced by Niyama Adadevoh’s 22 points, plus 10 points from Aniyah Richardson.

Wednesday’s win for the Tigers sets up a rematch of last season’s Class B final as Pittsfield beat Frontier, 73-64, in the other semifinal matchup. Last season, South Hadley took the title with a 48-40 win, and it’ll look to do the same this time around.

“I love being a part of [this team],” Dean said. “Last year going to the finals, then this year going back to the finals again, I just want to be back-to-back western Mass. champions.”

The Generals have only lost one game this season at 19-1, but Dubuc feels confident in his team’s abilities moving forward throughout the remainder of the postseason.

“We have a lot of experience,” Dubuc said. “Hopefully it’ll help us. We play so hard, I have no complaints. Our effort is always there, but when we’re making baskets, we’re a tough team. Sometimes we’re not making baskets but our defense is usually there, but we played very well [Wednesday].”

No date or time for the Class B championship had been announced as of Wednesday evening.