The biggest game of the year in Class A is in Vermillion tonight, with 13-1 Dakota Valley (#5 in Digital Z rankings) playing 13-0 Vermillion (#2). And with both teams returning a majority of their scoring, Vermillion is looking to avenge last year’s thrilling 51-48 DV win. This game also looks to have 2 of the 4 teams that will be playing on March 19th in Sioux Falls. However, big consequences for this game as the winner will most likely be the #1 seed in Region 4 while the loser will be #2; which means you have to play Tea Area in the semi finals of the Region, and a trip to the SoDak 16.
Vermillion
The Tanagers are coming off a 27-point win versus Redfield in the Dak 12/NEC challenge and a 30-point victory over Lennox last Friday. Vermillion is led by senior Jakob Dobney and his 19 ppg. Dobney’s ball handling and euro step make him very difficult to guard in the open court, and he can get points near the rim. Senior Conner Saunders (10 ppg) is a do-it-all type of player who is great at winning the 50/50 plays. 6’4 Senior Dillon Gestring (13 ppg), 6’3 Senior Noah Gilbertson (9 ppg), and 6’2 Junior Jake Jensen (4 ppg) finish the starting five.
Dakota Valley
Dakota Valley is coming off a 37-point victory against Mobridge-Pollock in the Dak 12/NEC challenge and then a 27-point win at Elk Point last Thursday. The Panthers are led by Senior Paul Bruns, a 6’4 UND commit who is averaging 28 points and 11 rebounds. Younger brother Isaac Bruns, a 6’3 sophomore, is averaging 23 points and 6 rebounds. The Bruns are scoring over 50 points combined per game, with both of them being able to shoot deep threes and mid-range shots while play well at the rim. 5’7 Midland University football commit Chayce Montagne also averages 8.5 points and 4 assists per game while 6’0 Senior Alex Zephier (6 ppg), and 6’3 Sophomore Sam Faldmo are the remaining two starters. Randy Rosenquist (4 ppg) is 6th man.
