This is our new series in which we provide you with a recap of South Dakota Sports from the day prior while you start your afternoon. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the stories.
It’s been over a week since I’ve written anything and I’m happy to start doing it again. I took a break from social media to visit some family and be more present in my everyday life. Now that I have done that, it’s time to get back into writing! Happy Wednesday!!
Dakota Valley over Sioux Valley: State Championship Preview?
This could very well be the Class A State Championship matchup in March, unless Sioux Falls Christian has anything to say about it. If this is the matchup, Dakota Valley impressed! In the 86-73 win, Isaac Bruns scored 33 and Paul Bruns finished with 26, and if Sioux Valley wants a chance to take that championship away from the Panthers, they are going to need to slow down the Panthers offense…But that is easier said than done.
Honestly though, there are 10 teams that I think can realistically make the state tournament in Class A at this point. Here is how I think they rank:
Near Locks:
Dakota Valley, Sioux Valley, Sioux Falls Christian
Strong Chance:
Vermillion, St. Thomas More, Winner, Mobridge-Pollock, Chamberlain
Realistic Possibility:
Dell Rapids, Rapid City Christian
Boys: Buzzer Beater Out in Rapid City
Back on the 23rd, Micah Swallow made a clutch 3-pointer at the buzzer. JUST INSIDE HALF COURT! Micah also had a great dunk earlier in the season, and has proved so far this year that he might be the best player in South Dakota west of the Missouri River.
But not only did that buzzer beater give the Cobblers a big 62-59 win, they did it against an impressive Roosevelt team. Class AA is pretty even and the Cobblers are making some noise as we close in on the end of the season. I think they might be a little underrated, and I also wouldn’t be surprised if they make the state tournament and win a few games while they are there.
Girls: SFC Gets the Big Win
No S.D. Prep Media Ranked team in Class A has more than 1 loss, except West Central, who lost by 2 to an undefeated White River, and most recently, Sioux Falls Christian. It was a great game, with the Chargers getting a 60-57 victory that featured great buzzer beater!!! And if you haven’t seen the play, you might live under a rock.
Honestly, the Chargers have a chance to win Class A, but St. Thomas More, West Central, Winner, Aberdeen Roncalli could as well. I still think STM has the best chance to win it, and the media poll agrees (STM received all 19 1st-place vote), but it should be a great state tournament with a lot of great games!
Boys: Vermillion is Good
Vermillion defeated Sioux Falls Christian. Vermillion is good. Enough said.
Final Thoughts
Excited to get back into writing as the season winds downs and I should be more consistent from here on out. I will probably talk a lot more about the rankings and South Dakota basketball on Friday, but I am currently writing a really interesting piece that I am excited to share with y’all early next week. Until next time, enjoy your Wednesday and support your community!
As always, we do our best to include what we can, but we can’t include everybody. We enjoy the support you bring, and next week we will continue to have more analysis and recap on SD Sports!