SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The final three days of the high school basketball season are this week. The state boys basketball tournaments begin Thursday, culminating with the championships Saturday night.
CLASS ‘AA’
Lincoln is the top-seed entering this year’s tournament. The Patriots own the best scoring offense and defense in the class.
Brandon Valley is the two-seed, carrying an 18-3 record into the tournament. The Lynx are allowing 48 points per game defensively, second best in class ‘AA’.
Harrisburg brings plenty of balance into the state tournament. They have four players averaging at least 9 points per game and three averaging double figures.
Mitchell is the defending state champion in class ‘AA’, but enter as the four-seed. The Kernels are led by their big three. Markus Talley, Colton Smith and Gavin Hinker combine for 43 points a game.
Lincoln will open the tournament against number eight Spearfish. Mitchell will play Huron in the 4-5 matchup, followed by Brandon Valley vs. Jefferson and Harrisburg vs. O’Gorman.
CLASS ‘A’
Sioux Falls Christian is looking to avenge last year’s state runner-up finish. The Chargers average a staggering 81 points per game, led by SDSU commit Griffen Goodbary’s 18 points per game.
Hamlin is the team that played spoiler on Sioux Falls Christian’s undefeated run last year. The Chargers big three of Easton Neuendorf, Evan Stormo and Jackson Wadsworth are combining for 44 points a contest.
Rapid City Christian is the three-seed with a 20-2 record. Benson Kieffer is scoring 19.5 points per game.
Sioux Falls Christian will open the tournament against Groton Area at noon Thursday. West Central will meet Lennox in a much anticipated 4-5 matchup. Hamlin meets Hill City and Rapid City Christian battles Clark/Willow Lake in the night cap.
CLASS ‘B’
Class ‘B’ has four teams with two or less losses. That includes top-seed Castlewood who has three players scoring in double figures.
Dell Rapids St. Mary has been led by the duo of Trevon Beckman and Maverick LeBrun. The two are combing for 46 points and 19 rebounds per game.
Viborg-Hurley is the three-seed and they have balance. Four players are posting at least nine points per game, led by Nick Hanson’s 19.
Castlewood will meet Lyman in the first game, followed by Wessington Springs and Wall. The night cap pits Dell Rapids St. Mary against Aberdeen Christian and Viborg-Hurley vs. Freeman.
KELOLAND Sports will have coverage of all the tournaments both on-air and online.
