*Note: All records are provided by SDHSBA. All stats and schedules are provided by GameChanger. Digital Z Sports does our best to post the most up-to-date information, but schedules are subject to change.
Monday Schedule:
Menno/Scotland (4-8) @ Bon Homme (6-3) 5:00
Dakota Valley (10-2) @ Brandon Valley 5:30 (Non-Region)
Centerville (4-7) @ Vermillion (11-0) 5:30
Standings:
#1 Dakota Valley 10-2 (8-1)
The Panthers have completed their region schedule according to GameChanger, but haven’t quite locked up a spot, as Vermillion could make a quick run here in the next week. The Panthers do have a host spot secured, as they took down P/E/T on March 31st (7-1).
Either way, Dakota Valley has looked really good all season long, with Jake Pruchniak leading the way. He has a 5-0 record, while giving up just 2 hits this season! Pruchniak isn’t the only good pitcher for the Panthers, as Ethan Anema, Beau Pollema, and Isaac Bruns have all gotten wins this season.
To capitalize on how good this pitching staff is, they have only given up 2 runs in their last 4 games. They have 1 more game on the schedule (according to GameChanger) against Brandon Valley, but whoever is next in Region 1 will have a tough time against this staff.
#2 Parkston/Ethan/Tripp 11-2 (7-1)
P/E/T is in a position to control their own destiny as a host, with two big Region games coming up. They have Vermillion on Tuesday in Elk Point, which is probably the biggest game in Class B this week.
The Trojans’ only region loss comes against Dakota Valley back on March 31st, while also losing most recently to undefeated Redfield Area 2-0 on the 8th. However, they dominated in April, going 7-0 with big wins over Wagner, Bon Homme and Dell Rapids.
#3 Vermillion 11-0 (6-0)
Due to some rain outs, Vermillion is going to have to go through a gauntlet of a schedule. Today they will play Centerville at 5:30 PM, before traveling to Elk Point on Tuesday for that important matchup against P/E/T. Then, the Tanagers travel to Bon Homme on Wednesday.
That’s 3 road games in 3 days, that will very well decide who is hosting in this Region. Vermillion holds wins over Dakota Valley (5-3), and Wagner (2-0). They have already played Centerville and Bon Homme this season, but I don’t believe they choose for those to be countable games.
There is work to be done, but if the Tanagers can win out, the road to state goes through Vermillion.
#4 Wagner 6-5 (6-3)
In a stacked Region, don’t be surprised if Wagner makes some noise in tournament play. They have a 2.33 team ERA, while Nolah Dvorak leading with an impressive 1.53 ERA. Dustin Honomichl (18.1 IP, 2.67 ERA), Matt Link (12.1 IP, 2.27 ERA) and Teddy Slaba (11.0 IP, 2.54 ERA) have all been solid as well. No matter what happens, Wagner is going to help make sure that the Region 1 tournament will be a tough fight for one of those 2 spots.
Rest of the Region:
5. Bon Homme 6-3 (5-2)
6. Centerville 4-7 (3-5)
7. Elk Point-Jefferson 3-5 (3-5)
8. Canton 3-6 (3-6)
9. Parker 2-9 (2-8)
10. Menno/Scotland 4-8 (1-6)
11. Beresford/AH 2-8 (1-8)
